DISTRIBUTIVE PRONOUNS

 

A_The pronouns that state whether persons or things are taken collectively or singly, are called distributive pronouns. ‘Each’, ‘either’, ‘neither’ are this kind of pronouns. They are always in singular number; as:

1_Each of the women was given a prize.

2_Either of these two girls is sure to win the prize.

3_Neither of the two statements is true.

4_Each of the passengers got down the bus.

5_Everyone has to learn the tricks of the trade.

6_The two parties stood on either side of the bushes.

B_Distributive pronouns are technically different from distributive adjectives. That can be understood by comparing the following sentences:

    Distributive Adjectives:

1_Each boy won the prize.               

2_Neither statement is true.     

3_Either road leads to the station.    

    Distributive Pronouns:

1_Each of the boys won the prize.    

2_Neither of the statements is true.   

3_Either of the roads leads to the station.  

C_‘Each’ is used for two or more than two persons or things to show every one of them; as :

1_Each of the ten boys was fined.

2_Each of the two cows gives five litres of milk.

D_‘Either’ is used to denote any one of two persons or things; as:

1_Either of these two boys may stand first.

2_Either your brother or you should come.

E_‘Neither’ is used to denote none of two persons or things; as:

1_Neither of the two servants told the truth.

2_Neither he nor you will win the prize.

F_When more than two persons or things are meant, ‘anyone’ or ‘none’ should be used; as :

1_I bought none of the three pens.

2_None of his friends helped him in need.

3_He was healthier than anyone of his five brothers.

G_The pronouns that denote mutual action are called reciprocal pronouns. ‘Each-other’ and ‘one-another’ are this kind of pronouns. ‘Each-other’ is used for two persons or things whereas ‘one-another’ refers to more than two persons or things; as:

1_The two sisters loved each-other very dearly.

2_Little children love one-another.