Distributive Adjectives

Sometimes, we want to talk about members of a group, but we want to highlight them individually (one by one), rather than collectively all at once.

For this purpose, we use Distributive Adjectives.

What are Distributive Adjectives?

Distributive Adjectives are adjectives used to refer to members of a group individually.

Because their function is to highlight things “one by one”, distributive adjectives are always followed by a SINGULAR noun and paired with a singular verb (is, was, has, or Verb+s).

There are only four main distributive adjectives in English: Each, Every, Either, and Neither.

1. Each (Individual Focus)

Used when we are talking about two or more things/people in a group, and we are thinking of them individually one by one.

  • Each student was given a book.
  • Each side of the square has the same length.

2. Every (Collective Focus)

Very similar in meaning to each, but every is used to talk about three or more things/people in a group collectively (similar to the meaning of all).

  • Every student must wear a uniform.
  • I brush my teeth every morning.

Tip: If you are talking about something that only comes in pairs, like eyes, hands, or sides of a coin, use each, NOT every.
Example: She had a ring on each hand.

3. Either (One of Two)

Used to indicate a choice between one OR the other of TWO things/people.

  • You can take either road; they both lead to the station. (Meaning whichever road of the two you take).
  • Either shirt is fine for the party.

4. Neither (None of Two)

This is the negative form of either. Used to indicate that not one of the TWO things/people is chosen or correct.

  • Neither answer is correct. (None of the two answers).
  • Neither team played well yesterday.

Distributive Adjective vs. Distributive Pronoun

Once again, we must be able to distinguish between an Adjective and a Pronoun. The golden rule is always the same: An Adjective must be attached directly to a Noun!

  • Each boy got a prize. (Adjective - attached to the noun boy).

  • Each of the boys got a prize. (Pronoun - separated by the preposition of).

  • Neither car is cheap. (Adjective).

  • Neither of the cars is cheap. (Pronoun).

Conclusion: Use Distributive Adjectives to break down a group into individual units. And remember that they are always followed by singular nouns and singular verbs!