Question

What type of pronoun is 'each', 'either', or 'neither'?

• A. Indefinite Pronoun
• B. Distributive Pronoun
• C. Personal Pronoun
• D. Possessive Pronoun

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Distributive Pronoun

Distributive Pronouns

• Distributive pronouns refer to individual members of a group or class, one at a time.
• 'Each', 'either', and 'neither' are common examples of distributive pronouns.
• These pronouns are always singular and are followed by a singular verb.
• Example: Each of the students is responsible for their own work.
• Example: Either path leads to the same destination.
• Example: Neither of the options is satisfactory.
• Key Point for Exams: Be careful with agreement. Distributive pronouns, even when followed by a plural noun in a prepositional phrase (like 'of the students'), require a singular verb.
• The use of 'either' and 'neither' is traditionally restricted to two options. However, in modern usage, 'any' is often preferred when referring to more than two options.
• 'Each' can be used to refer to three or more people or things.
• 'Either' implies a choice between two things.
• 'Neither' implies a negative choice between two things; it means 'not either'.