Distributive Adjectives

Adjectives are words which describe nouns or pronouns. Distributive Adjectives are one among seven types of Adjectives.

Distributive Adjectives are same as Distributive Numeral Adjectives. Distributive Adjectives denote singular number of noun among many.

Adjectives which are used to refer people or things individually among many are called Distributive Adjectives. Distributive Adjectives are always followed by a singular noun and a verb. But, we should keep in mind that after using Distributive Adjectives we should use plural noun and singular verb.

Distributive Adjectives are:

Adjective Examples Explanation

Each

  • Each student is responsible for littering classroom.
  • Each cheerleader is given props along with dress.
  • Drink a few sips of water after taking each medicine.
  • Each of his friends is helpful.
  • In my family each member earns more than $3000 a month.
  • Each of our countrymen should fight for the country.
  • Each time you complain, you become pessimistic.

Literally, Each is a singular noun.

It is used to show that certain condition is applied to everyone in a group/mass.

If the noun that represents the group is plural, we use “each of” instead.

Every

  • Every employee was given bonus.
  • Every student in the class was encouraged to take part in the competition.
  • Every laptop comes with a free bag.
  • I drink wine every day.
  • Every citizen is proud to be a British.
  • Every movie made by him has been successful to earn name and fame.
  • We go to gym every morning.

Every means all those which can be counted without an exception.

“Every” and “each” are similar and interchangeable on most occasions.

However, there is a subtle difference.
“Each” emphasizes all the individuals of the group. “Every” puts a bit more focus on the group.

Both convey the same meaning i.e. “all members”

Either

  • Either of you can do laundry.
  • I cannot tell you secret either.
  • My brother doesn’t recognize either of them.
  • The teacher did not listen to me, either.
  • Either of these books would be a proper gift to him.
  • Meet me at office or at home. Either is okay.
  • Either of my dogs is able to entertain guests.
  • Either you or he should go to church.
Either means one or another among two available options.

Neither

  • Neither my son nor my husband could lock the door.
  • I like neither of my bosses.
  • My father doesn’t work anymore, and neither does my mother.
  • Neither of delicacies you love is cooked for dinner.
  • My sister cannot lie, neither can my brother.
  • We could neither wait nor go.
  • Neither question is easy.
Neither means non of the two options available.

Any

  • Is there any coffee in the pot?
  • Did anyone fail the exam?
  • They don’t have anything to eat.
  • Does your brother have any money left?
  • Did you put any sugar in the tea?
  • We don’t want to go anywhere.
  • Did anyone complain?
Any means at least one type or no matter what type is available.

One

  • Can you buy this one?
  • Each one knows the secret.
  • We will sell that one soon.
  • No one enjoys fight.
  • Select one more student for the play.
  • Can I eat one more cookie?
  • Don’t buy only one purse.
One means a numerical value and denotes a single being/thing.