To describe separately
When referring to persons or things one at a time, we use distributive pronouns. This pronoun is used to describe all the members of the particular group separately and not collectively.
• Each individual is different.
• Neither of the keys opens the door.
• Either answer is correct.
‘Each’, ‘either’ and ‘neither’ are distributive pronouns because they refer to persons or things one at a time.
A distributive pronoun is always singular and as such it should be followed by a singular noun and verb. ( ) Each new days are different. ) Either girl can do that. ) Either girls can do that. ) Neither answer is correct. ) Neither answers is correct. ) Neither answers are correct. ( ) Neither of the three answers is correct.
( We invited several friends, but none came. ( We invited several friends, but neither came. ( ) You can take any of the three shirts.
( ) You can take either of the three shirts. Both ‘either’ and ‘neither’ are used as pronouns and determiners.
• Have you seen either of these books?
• Neither proposal was of any use to them.
‘Either’ means any of two persons or things, whereas ‘neither’ is its negative counterpart.
I will have either. (I can have any one of the two choices) I will have neither. (I do not want any from the two choices) Negation is also expressed by ‘either’ and a negative verb: ‘Neither’ is preferred at the beginning of a sentence: • Neither of them wanted to visit him in the hospital.
‘Neither’ can also be used as a negative answer to a question: ‘Each’ is used both as a pronoun and as a determiner. When it is used as a determiner, it occurs with
‘Each’ refers to expresses individual reference.
• After selecting the three winners, I gave a bouquet each.
• Each student should prepare a report after the project.
• The young ladies have three daughters each.
• They each have three daughters. • Each of the boys was given a star sticker. • They have each been reminded about the task. • Each of them have been reminded about the task. • These pens cost RM 2.00 each. ALL Examples: • You must eat all the rice on your plate.