Distributive Determiners

In English grammar, distributive determiners refer to individual members of a group or class, rather than the group as a whole. They show how things or people are distributed or singled out.

The primary distributive determiners in English are Each, Every, Either, and Neither.

1. Each vs. Every

While each and every are similar in meaning, they are used differently depending on the size of the group and how you want to view the members:

A. Each

Used when referring to individual members of a group of two or more, focusing on them one by one.

Rule: Always followed by a singular countable noun and a singular verb.

  • Each student received a certificate. (We think of the students individually).
  • She held a bag in each hand. (Only two hands exist).

B. Every

Used when referring to all members of a group of three or more, viewing them as a collective whole. It is similar in meaning to all, but grammatically singular.

Rule: Always followed by a singular countable noun and a singular verb.

  • Every citizen has the right to vote. (All citizens as a whole group, but grammatically singular).

2. Either vs. Neither

These two distributives are used when choosing or referring to exactly two options, things, or people:

A. Either

Means “one or the other” of two choices (any one of the two).

Rule: Followed by a singular countable noun.

  • You can park on either side of the street. (Side A or Side B).
  • Either candidate is qualified for the job.

B. Neither

Means “not one and not the other” of two choices (negative option for both).

Rule: Followed by a singular countable noun.

  • Neither answer is correct. (Answer A is wrong, and Answer B is wrong).
  • Neither key opened the door.

Agreement Rules: Distributives and Verbs

When a distributive determiner is placed before a noun, the noun must be singular countable, and the verb must be singular.

Examples:

  • Correct: Every student wants to pass.
  • Incorrect: Every student want to pass.
  • Incorrect: Every students want to pass.

Distributives followed by “Of”

If you use each, either, or neither with the preposition of, the noun becomes plural, but the verb remains singular.

Note: every cannot be used directly with of; you must use every one of.

Structure: Each/Either/Neither + of + the/possessive + Plural Noun + Singular Verb

  • Each of the students has a laptop. (Not have).
  • Neither of my parents is coming to the party. (Not are).
  • Every one of the workers was busy.

Complete Sentence Examples

Here are more examples of distributive determiners in action:

  1. Each employee must sign the contract.
  2. I try to read every day.
  3. You can choose either color; both look great.
  4. Neither restaurant serves vegetarian food.
  5. Each of the houses has a red roof.
  6. Every room in the hotel is air-conditioned.
  7. There are trees on each side of the road.
  8. Neither of these routes is safe during winter.