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Distributive Adjectives
What Are Distributive Adjectives?
Distributive adjectives are words used to refer to each individual in a group separately, rather than collectively. They help to distribute a quality or action among all members of a set, emphasizing individuality within the group. Distributive adjectives are a specific type of adjective that modifies nouns in a particular way. The most common distributive adjectives in English are:
- Each
- Every
- Either
- Neither
Common Distributive Adjectives
Let’s look at how each of these distributive adjectives is used in sentences:
Each
“Each” is used to refer to every individual in a group, considered separately.
Examples:
- Each student must complete the assignment.
- The teacher graded each paper carefully.
Every
“Every” is similar to “each” but emphasizes the group as a whole while still referring to all individuals.
Examples:
- Every child in the class received a gold star.
- She checks her email every hour.
Either
“Either” is used when referring to one of two options or individuals.
Examples:
- You can choose either the red or blue shirt.
- Either candidate would make a good president.
Neither
“Neither” is the negative form of “either” and is used to exclude both of two options or individuals.
Examples:
- Neither answer is correct.
- Neither of the twins wanted to admit their mistake.
Usage Rules
When using distributive adjectives, keep these grammar rules in mind:
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Singular verb agreement: Distributive adjectives are always followed by singular nouns and take singular verbs. This is an important aspect of subject-verb agreement.
- Correct: Each student has a textbook.
- Incorrect: Each student have a textbook.
-
Pronoun agreement: Use singular pronouns with distributive adjectives.
- Correct: Every employee should bring his or her ID card.
- Incorrect: Every employee should bring their ID card.
-
Article usage: Don’t use articles (a, an, the) before distributive adjectives.
- Correct: Each child received a gift.
- Incorrect: The each child received a gift.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Confusion with collective nouns: Remember that distributive adjectives refer to individuals, not the group as a whole.
- Incorrect: Each team are playing well.
- Correct: Each team is playing well.
-
Misuse with plural nouns: Always use singular nouns after distributive adjectives.
- Incorrect: Every students in the class passed the exam.
- Correct: Every student in the class passed the exam.
-
Incorrect verb agreement: Use singular verbs with distributive adjectives. This is particularly important when dealing with subject-verb agreement.
- Incorrect: Either of the options are good.
- Correct: Either of the options is good.
Key Takeaways
- Distributive adjectives (each, every, either, neither) refer to individual members of a group separately.
- They always take singular nouns and verbs.
- Use singular pronouns with distributive adjectives.
- Don’t use articles before distributive adjectives.
- Distributive adjectives enhance precision and clarity in communication.
- Be mindful of common mistakes like confusion with collective nouns and incorrect verb agreement.
FAQs
What is the difference between ’each’ and ’every'?
While both ’each’ and ’every’ refer to all members of a group individually, there’s a subtle difference in emphasis. ‘Each’ focuses more on the individuals separately, while ’every’ emphasizes the group as a whole while still referring to all individuals. For example, “Each student has a unique perspective” highlights individual differences, while “Every student must follow the dress code” emphasizes a rule applying to all students collectively.Can distributive adjectives be used with plural nouns?
No, distributive adjectives should always be used with singular nouns. For example, say “Each book is interesting” instead of “Each books are interesting.” This is because distributive adjectives refer to individual items within a group, not the group as a whole. This rule is closely related to the concept of countable and uncountable nouns.How do distributive adjectives affect verb agreement?
Distributive adjectives always require singular verb agreement. For instance, “Every car in the parking lot is red” is correct, while “Every car in the parking lot are red” is incorrect. This rule applies even when the adjective is followed by a prepositional phrase containing plural nouns. Understanding this is crucial for mastering subject-verb agreement.Can ’either’ and ’neither’ be used for more than two options?
Traditionally, ’either’ and ’neither’ are used when referring to two options or individuals. For more than two options, it’s better to use ‘any’ or ’none’ respectively. However, in informal usage, you might sometimes hear ’either’ used for more than two options, though this is generally not considered standard in formal writing. This usage is related to the concept of quantitative adjectives.How do distributive adjectives differ from demonstrative adjectives?
While both are types of adjectives, they serve different purposes. Distributive adjectives (each, every, either, neither) refer to individual members of a group. Demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those) point out specific items. For example, “Each student received a prize” uses a distributive adjective, while “This student won first place” uses a demonstrative adjective.Next
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