Distributives — Each, Every, Either, Neither, All, Both

Distributives are determiners and pronouns that refer to the individual members of a group, either one at a time (each, every) or by dividing the group into all its members or none of them (all, both, either, neither, none). For example: Each student has a textbook (singular verb with each), Both students have textbooks (plural verb with both), and Neither answer is correct (singular verb with neither). They are closely related to quantifiers but focus on distribution across a set rather than an amount. Reference grammars such as the Cambridge Grammar treat them as their own category because of their distinctive verb agreement patterns — a common learner error is writing Each of the students are ready instead of the correct Each of the students is ready, since each always takes a singular verb.

What Are Distributives?

Distributives can be used as determiners (before a noun) or as pronouns (standing alone, often followed by ‘of’).

• Each student received a certificate. (determiner)
• Each of the students received a certificate. (pronoun + of)
• Both answers are correct. (determiner)
• Neither of them came to the meeting. (pronoun + of)

Formation Table

Word	Number of items	Verb agreement	Example
each	2 or more, considered individually	singular	Each child gets a prize.
every	3 or more, general statement	singular	Every student knows the rule.
either	2 (choice of one)	singular	Either day works for me.
neither	2 (rejecting both)	singular	Neither answer is correct.
both	2 (together)	plural	Both answers are correct.
all	3+ or uncountable	plural / uncountable verb	All the students are here.
none	3+ (zero quantity)	singular in formal use, plural informally	None of the students has arrived. (formal)

Each vs. Every

Each emphasises individual members of a group, even a group of just two, and is often used when giving something to people one at a time. Every emphasises the group as a whole through its individual members and is used for general statements, usually with three or more.

• Each of the two candidates gave a short speech. (only 2, individually)
• Every candidate must submit a form by Friday. (a general rule for all)

Either / Neither vs. All / None

Either and neither are used specifically for choices between two items or people. All and none are used for three or more, or for uncountable nouns.

• Either restaurant is fine with me. (choosing between two)
• All the restaurants on this street are fine with me. (three or more)

Common Mistakes

• Wrong: Each of the students are ready. Correct: Each of the students is ready. (‘each’ always takes a singular verb, even when followed by a plural noun with ‘of’)
• Wrong: Every students like the teacher. Correct: Every student likes the teacher. (‘every’ is always followed by a singular noun and singular verb)
• Wrong: Neither of the answers are correct. Correct: Neither of the answers is correct. (in formal English, ‘neither’ takes a singular verb, though a plural verb is common informally)
• Wrong: Both of the answer is correct. Correct: Both of the answers are correct. (‘both’ always requires a plural noun and plural verb)

Practice Exercises

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are distributives?

Distributives are words that refer to the members of a group individually or as a defined whole: each, every, either, neither, all, both, and none. They can act as determiners before a noun (Each student) or as pronouns followed by ‘of’ (Each of the students).

What is the difference between ‘each’ and ‘every’?

‘Each’ emphasises individual members, even in a group of two, and is often used when distributing something one at a time: Each student received a book. ‘Every’ emphasises the group as a whole through its members and is used for general statements, typically with three or more: Every student must attend.

Why does ‘each of the students’ take a singular verb?

‘Each’ is grammatically singular, regardless of the plural noun that follows ‘of’. The verb agrees with ‘each’, not with ‘students’: Each of the students is ready (not ‘are ready’).

What is the difference between ‘either’ and ‘neither’?

‘Either’ means ‘one or the other’ of two options: Either day works for me. ‘Neither’ means ‘not one and not the other’, rejecting both: Neither day works for me. Both words are used specifically with pairs, not larger groups.

What is the difference between ‘both’ and ‘all’?

‘Both’ refers specifically to two items or people considered together: Both answers are correct. ‘All’ refers to three or more items, or to an uncountable quantity: All the answers are correct; All the water was gone.

Does ‘none’ take a singular or plural verb?

In formal, careful English, ‘none’ is treated as singular, since it comes from ‘not one’: None of the students has arrived. In everyday speech, a plural verb is very common and widely accepted: None of the students have arrived.

Can ‘either’ and ‘neither’ be used with three or more items?

Traditionally, no — ‘either’ and ‘neither’ are reserved for exactly two items or options. For three or more, use ‘any’ (positive: Any of the three books is fine) or ‘none’ (negative: None of the three books is suitable).

Is ‘every one of’ the same as ‘each of’?

They are very close in meaning and both take a singular verb: Every one of the students is ready; Each of the students is ready. ‘Every one of’ can sound slightly more emphatic, stressing that literally all members, without exception, fit the description.

Can distributives be used with uncountable nouns?

‘All’ and ‘none’ can be used with uncountable nouns: All the water was gone; None of the money was found. ‘Each’, ‘every’, ‘either’, and ‘neither’ require countable nouns, since they refer to distinct, separate items.

Why is correct distributive use important for exams?

Subject-verb agreement with distributives (each of the students is, neither of them is) is a frequently tested point in Cambridge and IELTS grammar sections because the plural noun following ‘of’ often tempts learners into an incorrect plural verb, even at advanced levels.