Distributive Determiners: Each, Every, Either, Neither, and Both
Imagine you are addressing a team of employees at TCS. Do you say, "Every employee must submit the form" or "Each employee must submit the form"? What if you're talking about just two options for a new project—do you use "either" or "neither"? Distributive determiners help us refer to members of a group individually or collectively. Mastering them is key to ensuring subject-verb agreement and precision in your professional and academic writing.
Distributive determiners (each, every, either, neither, both) refer to a group or members of a group. They dictate how we view the group (individually vs. as a whole) and have strict rules regarding singular and plural nouns and verbs.
1. EACH vs. EVERY
While often used interchangeably, each and every have distinct nuances.
- EACH refers to individual members of a group considered one by one. It can be used for two or more items. It always takes a singular noun and singular verb.
✅ Each student must bring their ID card. (Focus on the individual) - EVERY refers to all members of a group collectively. It implies a sense of universality and is used for three or more items. It also takes a singular noun and verb.
✅ Every seat was taken at the Narendra Modi Stadium. (Focus on the whole group)
Every cannot be used with "of". You can say "Each of the students" but NEVER ❌ "Every of the students." Instead, use "Every one of the students."
2. EITHER and NEITHER
These determiners specifically deal with a choice or condition between two things.
- EITHER means one or the other of two options (positive context). It takes a singular noun.
✅ You can take either route—both will get you to Pune. - NEITHER means not one and not the other (negative context). It also takes a singular noun and verb.
✅ Neither candidate performed well in the interview.
3. BOTH
BOTH refers to two things together. Because it signifies more than one, it always takes a plural noun and a plural verb.
✅ Both candidates were excellent.
✅ Both of the reports need revision.
4. Correlative Conjunctions: EITHER...OR / NEITHER...NOR
When used as pairs to connect subjects, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it (the Rule of Proximity).
| Structure | Verb Agreement | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Neither A nor B (singular) | Singular Verb | Neither the manager nor the employee was informed. |
| Neither A nor B (plural) | Plural Verb | Neither the manager nor the employees were informed. |
5. Common Errors
Indian learners sometimes mix up these determiners, especially concerning agreement.
- ❌ "Every of the students..." → ✅ "Each of the students..."
- ❌ "Neither the boys or the girls..." → ✅ "Neither the boys nor the girls..."
- ❌ "Neither of the options are correct." → ✅ "Neither of the options is correct." (Strict formal grammar requires a singular verb.)
✏️ Quick Practice — Distributives
- ___ of the two sisters is a doctor. (Every / Each)
- Neither the CEO nor the directors ___ available. (is / are)
- You can choose ___ option; they are equally good. (either / neither)
Answers: 1. Each | 2. are (agrees with 'directors') | 3. either
Summary & Key Takeaways
- Use Each for individual focus (two or more) and Every for collective focus (three or more).
- Never use "Every of"—use "Each of" or "Every one of".
- Either and Neither refer strictly to two options and take singular verbs.
- Both refers to two items together and takes plural verbs.
- With "either...or" and "neither...nor", the verb agrees with the closest subject.
Next Step: Test yourself by writing emails using these determiners to ensure your subject-verb agreement is spot on!