Distributive Adjectives Lesson: Definition, Types, Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Distributive Adjective?
• List of Distributive Adjectives
• Where Do You Include a Distributive Adjective in a Sentence?
• Distributive Adjective Examples in a Sentence
• Distributive Adjective Rules

Distributive adjectives enhance clarity by specifying the scope of a statement. They avoid ambiguity and make communication more effective. Understanding these adjectives improve both reading comprehension and writing skills, allowing for more accurate and nuanced expression.

What Is a Distributive Adjective?

A distributive adjective talks about each person or thing in a group. It specifies that something applies to each one separately, or to one or the other of two options, or to neither of two options. They essentially "distribute" the action or characteristic among the members of the group.

It is used to describe nouns in a way that indicates they are considered one by one.

Example:

"Each student received a textbook."

Here, each distributes the act of receiving a textbook among all the individual students.

List of Distributive Adjectives

There are 8 distributive adjectives lists Understanding their specific uses is crucial for clear communication. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones:

Where Do You Include a Distributive Adjective in a Sentence?

Distributive adjectives typically precede the noun they modify. They are positioned directly before the singular countable noun they refer to. Understanding their placement is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences.

1. Before the Noun:
   The most common placement for a distributive adjective is immediately before the singular countable noun it modifies.

Example: 

• Each student received a textbook. (Each modifies the singular noun "student")
• Every child deserves an education. (Every modifies the singular noun "child")
• Either option is acceptable. (Either modifies the singular noun "option")
• Neither solution is perfect. (Neither modifies the singular noun "solution")
  

2. No Separation:
   The distributive adjective should not be separated from the noun it modifies by any other words, unless those words are also modifiers of the same noun.

Example: 

• Incorrect: Each, carefully selected, student received a textbook.
• Correct: Each carefully selected student received a textbook. (The adverb "carefully" and adjective "selected" both modify "student," so they can be between "each" and "student".)
  

3. Singular Noun:
   Distributive adjectives are typically followed by a singular countable noun. This is because they refer to individual members of a group, even if the group itself is plural.
   
   
4. Exceptions and Nuances:
   While the general rule is to place the distributive adjective directly before the noun, there can be some less common variations, especially with either and neither, often used with "or" and "nor" respectively, to create compound subjects or objects.

Example: 

• Either John or Mary will present the project. (Here, "either" is part of a correlative conjunction and doesn't directly modify a noun in the same way. It connects the two nouns "John" and "Mary.")

Neither the books nor the pens were on the desk. (Again, "neither" connects noun phrases.)

Distributive Adjective Examples in a Sentence

Understanding how distributive adjectives function within complete sentences is crucial for mastering their usage. Some examples demonstrating the correct application of distributive adjectives in different contexts are given below:

Using "Each":

• Each participant received a personalized name tag. (Emphasizes individual participants and their unique name tags.)
• The coach spoke to each player individually. (Highlights the one-on-one interaction with every player.)

Using "Every":

• Every student is expected to complete the assigned reading. (Refers to all students as a group with a shared expectation.)
• Every cloud has a silver lining. (Expresses a general truth applying to all clouds.)

Using "Either":

• You can choose either the apple pie or the chocolate cake. (Presents two options from which to choose one.)
• Either route will get you to the destination. (Indicates that both routes are viable options.)

Using "Neither":

• Neither movie was particularly entertaining. (Indicates that neither of the two movies was enjoyable.)
• Neither restaurant was open at that hour. (States that both restaurants were closed.)

Using "One" and "None":

• One person can make a difference. (Emphasizes the impact that an individual can have.) 
• None of the students completed the assignment on time. (Highlights the lack of completion among all students.)
  
  

Distributive Adjective Rules

Understanding distributive adjectives rules is essential for constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences. 

1. Singular Noun Agreement: Distributive adjectives are typically followed by a singular countable noun. This is because they refer to individual members of a group, even if the group itself is plural in concept.
   
   • Incorrect: Each students received a handout.
   • Correct: Each student received a handout.
     
     
2. Placement Before the Noun: Distributive adjectives generally precede the singular countable noun they modify. They should be placed directly before the noun, without any intervening words, except for other modifiers of the same noun.
   
   • Incorrect: The students each received a prize.
   • Correct: Each student received a prize.
   • Correct: Each diligent student received a prize. (Here, "diligent" is another modifier, so it's acceptable.)
     
     
3. "Each" vs. "Every": While both each and every are followed by singular nouns and have a distributive function, they have slightly different nuances. Each emphasizes the individuals separately, while every emphasizes the group as a whole. "Each" can be used when referring to two or more items, whereas "every" is used for three or more.
   
   • Example 1: Each of the two candidates presented their platform. (Focuses on the two candidates individually.)
   • Example 2: Every student in the class participated. (Emphasizes the entire class as a group.)
     
     
4. "Either" and "Neither":Either and neither are used specifically with two options. Either indicates one or the other, while neither indicates not one nor the other.
   
   • Example 1: You can choose either the coffee or the tea.
   • Example 2: Neither option is correct.

They are also used with 'or' and 'nor', respectively.

• Example 3: You can have either the red one or the blue one.
• Example 4: Neither the red one nor the blue one is available.
  

5. No Double Distributives: Avoid using two distributive adjectives together to modify the same noun. This can create redundancy and confusion.
   
   • Incorrect: Each every student received a book.
   • Correct: Every student received a book.
     Or
       Each student received a book.
     
     
6. Agreement with Pronouns: When using distributive adjectives with pronouns, ensure agreement in number.
   
   • Example: Each of them received a gift.
     (The singular pronoun "them" is acceptable here as each is already distributing the action to the individuals within the group.)