Distributives
Distributives are words that talk about people or things one by one or in separate groups. The four main distributives are each, every, either and neither.
What You'll Learn
- How to use each and every to talk about every person or thing in a group
- How to use either and neither when there are only two choices
- How to tell the difference between each, every, either and neither
When to Use
- Talking about every person or thing in a group: "Each student received a sticker." (every single student, one by one)
- Talking about all members of a group together: "Every child in the class likes recess." (all the children, as a whole group)
- Choosing between two things: "You may sit on either side of the table." (this side or that side)
- Saying no to both of two things: "Neither answer is correct." (not this one and not that one)
How to Form
Each and Every
| Word | What it means | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| each | every single one, one by one | 2 or more things | Each pupil has a textbook. |
| every | all members of a group | 3 or more things | Every shop in the mall is open. |
Either and Neither
| Word | What it means | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| either | one or the other (any of the two) | exactly 2 things | You can take either bus. |
| neither | not one and not the other | exactly 2 things | Neither team scored a goal. |
Key Rules
- Each and every go with singular nouns: Always say "each book" and "every book", not "each books" or "every books". The noun after each or every is always singular.
- Each looks at things one by one: Use each when you think about the members of a group separately. "Each player shook hands with the coach."
- Every looks at the whole group: Use every when you think about all the members together. "Every seat in the hall was taken."
- Either and neither are for two things only: Use either and neither only when there are exactly two choices. "You may choose either colour." (There are only two colours.)
- Neither means not one and not the other: Neither is the negative form. It already means "no", so do not add "not" before it. Say "Neither road leads to the park," not "Not neither road leads to the park."
Common Mistakes
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Each students must bring a pen. | Each student must bring a pen. | "Each" is followed by a singular noun |
| Every children like ice cream. | Every child likes ice cream. | "Every" is followed by a singular noun |
| Either of the three shirts is nice. | Each of the three shirts is nice. | "Either" is only for two things |
| Neither books are mine. | Neither book is mine. | "Neither" is followed by a singular noun |
| I don't like neither cake. | I like neither cake. | "Neither" already means "not", so do not add "not" |
Clue Words
Use "each" when you see:
one by one, separately, individually, every single
Use "every" when you see:
all, the whole group, everyone, everything
Use "either" when you see:
two choices, one or the other, any of the two, both options
Use "neither" when you see:
not both, none of the two, not one and not the other
Tip: Remember -- either and neither are for two things only. Think of the word "eight" which has two circles (8). Each and every can be used for bigger groups.
Practice Tips
- Count first: Before choosing a distributive, count how many things there are. Two things? Use either or neither. Three or more? Use each or every.
- Singular check: After writing each, every, either or neither, check that the noun after it is singular. "Every boy" is correct. "Every boys" is wrong.
- Positive or negative: If the sentence is positive (saying yes to one), use either. If the sentence is negative (saying no to both), use neither.
Quick Reference
| Word | Meaning | How many things | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| each | every one, separately | 2 or more | Each child received a goodie bag. |
| every | all in the group | 3 or more | Every hawker stall was crowded. |
| either | one or the other | exactly 2 | You may use either entrance. |
| neither | not this one and not that one | exactly 2 | Neither lift is working. |