Distributive Determiners – CBSE Class 10 Grammar Notes

CBSE · Class 10 · English Grammar

Distributive Determiners

Board Exam Notes

Each Every Either Neither Any Both All

What Are Distributive Determiners?

Look at these sentences:

✎

Each student received a certificate.

Every child needs love and care.

Either road leads to the railway station.

Neither answer was correct.

The bold words — each, every, either, neither — are distributive determiners. They refer to members of a group individually, not all together as one unit. They “distribute” a statement to each member separately.

Definition

A distributive determiner is a word placed before a noun to refer to members of a group individually — one at a time — rather than as a whole. It distributes the meaning of the sentence across each member of the group. The main distributive determiners are: each, every, either, neither, any, both, and all.

⚠

Key idea: The word “distributive” comes from “distribute” — to give to each one separately. When you say “Each student got a prize,” you are distributing that prize to every single student, one by one.

Each student got a prize. → One prize to one student, one by one — distributive.

All students got a prize. → The group as a whole got prizes — collective.

The Seven Distributive Determiners

There are seven distributive determiners in English. Each has a specific meaning and specific grammatical rules.

each Individual Every one separately (2 or more)

every Collective-Individual All without exception (3 or more)

either Choice (two) One of exactly two options

neither Negative (two) Not one of exactly two

any Open Choice Any one from a group (no restriction)

both Together (two) Two things considered together

all Every One Every member of a group (3 or more)

Determiner	Refers to	Number of Items	Verb Form	Example
each	Every member individually	2 or more	Singular	Each child has a gift.
every	All members without exception	3 or more	Singular	Every student must attend.
either	One of two (your choice)	Exactly 2	Singular	Either road is fine.
neither	Not one of two (both excluded)	Exactly 2	Singular	Neither answer is correct.
any	Any one freely chosen	3 or more	Singular	Any student can answer this.
both	Two things together	Exactly 2	Plural	Both books are interesting.
all	Every member as a group	3 or more	Plural	All students passed.

ⓘ

The most important rule to remember: Each, every, either, neither, and any all take a singular noun and a singular verb. Only both and all take a plural noun and plural verb.

Rules in Detail — Each Word Explained

EACH — Every member individually, one by one. Singular noun + singular verb.

Each student received a medal.

Each child was given a book.

Each player must wear a uniform.

Each question carries five marks.

Each of the houses has a garden.

The teacher gave each student a prize.

They each carried their own bag.

Each of the three options is valid.

ⓘ

Special uses of EACH:

1. Each can be used for 2 or more items: Each of the two friends got a gift.

2. Each can follow the subject: They each brought a dish. (Here it is a pronoun, not a determiner.)

3. Each of + plural noun + singular verb: Each of the students has submitted work.

EVERY — All members without exception. Singular noun + singular verb. 3 or more only.

Every student must submit the assignment.

Every child deserves a good education.

Every morning she goes for a walk.

Every seat in the hall was occupied.

Every word he said was true.

Every question in the paper was answered.

Every second counts in an emergency.

Every effort you make will be rewarded.

ⓘ

Key difference — EACH vs EVERY: Both take singular nouns and verbs, but:

Each focuses on members one by one → Each student got a different prize.

Every treats the group as a complete whole without exception → Every student must wear a uniform.

Every cannot be used for exactly 2 items. Each can be used for 2 or more.

EITHER — One of two options (your choice). Singular noun + singular verb. Exactly 2 items.

Either road will take you to the market.

You can use either hand to write.

Either date is convenient for me.

I don’t mind — either choice is fine.

Either parent can sign the form.

There are trees on either side of the road.

Either of the two methods works well.

Take either bus — both go the same way.

NEITHER — Not one of two (both excluded). Singular noun + singular verb. Exactly 2 items.

Neither answer is correct.

Neither team deserved to lose.

Neither road leads to the village.

Neither candidate was selected.

Neither of the two plans worked out.

Neither solution is satisfactory.

Neither parent attended the meeting.

Neither side was willing to compromise.

ANY — Any one freely chosen from a group. Used in positive distributive sense.

Any student can answer this question.

You can borrow any book from the shelf.

Any day next week works for me.

Come at any time before sunset.

Any teacher in this school can help you.

Choose any topic for your project.

Any mistake can cost marks in the exam.

He is better than any other player on the team.

BOTH — Exactly two, together. Plural verb.

Both brothers are doctors.
Both answers are correct.
She likes both subjects equally.
Both the roads are blocked.
Both of them were present.
I have read both the books.

ALL — Every member of 3 or more. Plural verb.

All students passed the exam.
All the seats were taken.
She gave all her savings to charity.
All three contestants were brilliant.
All of them agreed to the plan.
I have read all the chapters.

Special Rules Students Must Know

EACH OF / EVERY / EITHER OF / NEITHER OF — with plural nouns

When distributive determiners are followed by “of”, the noun after “of” is always plural, but the verb still remains singular (for each, every, either, neither).

Structure	Noun after “of”	Verb	Example
each of the + plural noun	Plural	Singular	Each of the students has* a book.*
either of the + plural noun	Plural	Singular	Either of the roads leads* to the town.*
neither of the + plural noun	Plural	Singular	Neither of the answers is correct.
both of the + plural noun	Plural	Plural	Both of the books are* interesting.*
all of the + plural noun	Plural	Plural	All of the students have* passed.*

EITHER…OR / NEITHER…NOR — Correlative Use

In CBSE exams, either…or and neither…nor are frequently tested as correlative conjunctions. The verb agrees with the noun closer to the verb.

Either…or (verb agrees with nearest noun)

Either Ravi or his friends are responsible.
Either the students or the teacher is wrong.
Either you or I am going to present.

Neither…nor (verb agrees with nearest noun)

Neither the boys nor the girl was present.
Neither she nor her parents were informed.
Neither I nor he is responsible.

⚠

The Proximity Rule: In either…or / neither…nor sentences, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun that is closest to the verb (the second one).

Neither the teacher nor the students were present. → “students” is closest → plural verb.

Neither the students nor the teacher was present. → “teacher” is closest → singular verb.

EVERY + Compound Expressions

“Every” forms many commonly tested compound expressions:

Expression	Meaning	Example
everyone / everybody	Every person	Everyone was invited to the party.
everything	Every thing	Everything was in order.
everywhere	Every place	She searched everywhere* for her keys.*
every other	Alternate ones	He visits every other* Sunday.*
every now and then	Occasionally	She calls me every now and then.

ANY as a Distributive vs ANY as a Quantifier

ANY — Distributive (positive sentences)

Means “any one — no restriction”
Any student can join the club.
Any teacher will help you.
Come at any time.

ANY — Quantifier (negatives / questions)

Used in negatives and questions
I don’t have any money.
Is there any milk left?
She hasn’t made any mistakes.

Memory Tricks

Trick 01

EACH = One by One, EVERY = All Without Exception

Imagine a teacher handing out prizes:

EACH: The teacher walks to each desk, one by one.
EVERY: The teacher announces, “Every student gets a prize” — as a rule, no exceptions.

Each = individual focus. Every = universal rule.

Trick 02

EITHER / NEITHER / BOTH = Only for Two

These three words are twins — they only talk about exactly two things.

EITHER = one of the two ✓
NEITHER = none of the two ✓
BOTH = the two together ✓

For three or more → use ANY, NONE, or ALL.

Trick 03

Singular Verb Rule — “EEENA”

These five always take a singular verb:

Each Every Either Neither Any

Remember: EEENA = Singular

Each is. Every needs. Either leads. Neither was. Any can.

Trick 04

BOTH & ALL = Plural Verb

Both and All are the only two distributive determiners that take a plural verb.

BOTH brothers are doctors. ✓
ALL students have submitted. ✓

Memory hook: Both and All end the group — and groups take plural verbs.

Trick 05

EACH vs EVERY — The “Two” Test

Ask: “Are there exactly two things?”

If YES → use each (works for 2+)
Each of the two sisters got a gift. ✓

If NO → you can use every only for 3+
Every student in the class. ✓
Every of the two. ✗ (never)

Trick 06

Proximity Rule for Either…or / Neither…nor

The verb matches the noun closest to it (the second noun in the pair).

Neither the boys nor the girl was… ✓
Neither the girl nor the boys were… ✓

Think of it as: the last noun decides the verb.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Mistake 1 — Using a plural verb with “each” or “every”

Wrong

Each of the students have submitted their project.

Correct

Each of the students has submitted their project.

“Each” always takes a singular verb. Even when followed by “of the students” (plural), the subject is “each” — which is singular. The verb must be “has,” not “have.”

Mistake 2 — Using “every” for exactly two items

Wrong

Every of the two brothers is a doctor.

Correct

Each of the two brothers is a doctor.

“Every” is used only when there are three or more items. For exactly two items, use “each.” Also, “every of” is never correct — use “each of” or “every” directly before a singular noun.

Mistake 3 — Using a plural verb with “either” or “neither”

Wrong

Neither of the two answers are correct.

Correct

Neither of the two answers is correct.

“Neither” always takes a singular verb. Even though “answers” is plural, the subject controlling the verb is “neither” — which is singular. Apply EEENA: Each, Every, Either, Neither, Any = singular verb.

Mistake 4 — Using “either” / “neither” for more than two items

Wrong

Neither of the three friends came to the party.

Correct

None of the three friends came to the party.

“Neither” is strictly for exactly two items. When three or more items are involved and the meaning is negative (not one of them), use “none.” For a positive open choice among three or more, use “any.”

Mistake 5 — Using a singular verb with “both”

Wrong

Both the sisters is very talented.

Correct

Both the sisters are very talented.

“Both” always refers to two things together and always takes a plural verb. “Both the sisters are” (plural) is correct. Remember: Both and All = plural verb. EEENA = singular verb.

Mistake 6 — Wrong verb with “either…or” / “neither…nor”

Wrong

Neither the students nor the teacher were present.

Correct

Neither the students nor the teacher was present.

In “neither…nor” sentences, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it. “Teacher” (singular) is the closest noun → singular verb “was.” If the order were reversed: “Neither the teacher nor the students were present.”

Commonly Confused Pairs

EACH vs EVERY — The Key Differences

	EACH	EVERY
Focus	Individual members, one by one	All members as a complete group
Number of items	2 or more	3 or more only
Can follow “of”?	Yes: each of the students	No: “every of…” is wrong
Can follow subject?	Yes: They each brought food.	No: “They every…” is wrong
Example	Each student got a different award.	Every student must wear a uniform.
Emphasises	Individuality — different things for each	Universality — same thing for all

EITHER vs ANY

EITHER	ANY
Choose one from exactly two options	Choose one from three or more options
Take either* bus — the red or the blue.*	Take any* bus from the depot.*
Always about a pair	Open — no specific group size limit

NEITHER vs NONE

NEITHER	NONE
Not one of exactly two things	Not one of three or more things
Singular verb	Singular or plural verb (depending on context)
Neither candidate was selected. (2 candidates)	None of the three candidates was selected.

BOTH vs ALL

BOTH	ALL
Exactly two things together	Three or more things as a group
Plural verb	Plural verb (with plural noun)
Both the sisters are clever.	All three sisters are clever.
Cannot be used for 3+	Cannot be used for exactly 2

Distributive Determiner vs Distributive Pronoun

✓

The one-line test: Is there a noun directly after the word?

YES → Distributive Determiner | NO → Distributive Pronoun

Each student passed. → Determiner (noun “student” follows)
Each passed. → Pronoun (stands alone)

Board Exam Tips

Remember EEENA = Singular. Each, Every, Either, Neither, Any — all take a singular noun and a singular verb. This rule solves the majority of verb agreement questions involving distributive determiners.

Both and All = Plural verb. These are the only two distributive determiners that take plural verbs. If you see “both” or “all” + noun in a sentence, the verb must be plural (are, were, have, do).

Count the items before choosing. Exactly 2 items → use either, neither, or both. Three or more → use every, any, all, or none. Using “either” for three items or “every” for two items is a classic error.

Each of / Either of / Neither of + plural noun + singular verb. When “of” follows these words, the noun after “of” is always plural, but the verb is still singular. This is a very common trap in subject-verb agreement questions.

Proximity rule for either…or / neither…nor. The verb agrees with the noun closest to it (the second noun). In editing questions, check which noun comes last before the verb to decide singular or plural.

Every cannot be followed by “of”. “Every of the students” is always wrong. Use “each of the students” when you need the “of” structure. “Every” goes directly before a singular noun: “every student.”

Neither vs None. In error-correction questions, “neither of the three” is always wrong. “Neither” is only for two. For three or more with a negative meaning, always use “none of the three.”

Common question formats in CBSE: subject-verb agreement with each/every/neither, fill-in-the-blank (each vs every, either vs any), error correction (plural verb after neither/either), either…or / neither…nor proximity rule.

★

Most-tested distributive determiner patterns in CBSE board exams:

Solved Examples

Q 01Fill in the Blank

________ student in the school must follow the rules. (Each / Every / Both)

Answer: Every student in the school must follow the rules.

“The school” has many students — more than two, and the rule applies universally, without exception. Every is the best choice here because it means “all without exception” for a large group and emphasises the universal rule. “Each” could also work but is less natural when stating a universal rule for a whole institution.

Q 02Error Correction

Correct the error: “Each of the students have submitted their assignment on time.”

Corrected: Each of the students has submitted their assignment on time.

“Each” is the subject — not “students.” Even though “students” is plural, “each” controls the verb. “Each” is always singular, so the verb must be singular: has. This is one of the most commonly tested rules. Remember EEENA: Each = singular verb.

Q 03Fill in the Blank

________ road leads to the railway station — you can take the left or the right one. (Either / Neither / Every)

Answer: Either road leads to the railway station.

There are exactly two roads mentioned — left and right. We are saying that one of the two will take you to the station (your choice). Either means “one of two options.” “Neither” would mean neither road goes there (negative). “Every” needs three or more items and cannot be used for exactly two.

Q 04Error Correction

Correct the error: “Neither of the three candidates were selected for the position.”

Corrected: None of the three candidates was selected for the position.

Two errors here. First, “neither” is only for exactly two items — there are three candidates, so use none. Second, “none of” + singular sense → singular verb “was.” Correct: “None of the three candidates was selected.”

Q 05Fill in the Blank

________ the brothers are excellent cricketers. (Both / Either / Each)

Answer: Both the brothers are excellent cricketers.

There are exactly two brothers, and the sentence says they both together share this quality. Both refers to two things considered together as a pair. Notice the plural verb “are” — Both always takes a plural verb. “Either” would mean one of the two, and “each” would focus on them individually.

Q 06Error Correction

Correct the error: “Every of the students must bring their own stationery.”

Corrected: Every student must bring their own stationery. OR Each of the students must bring their own stationery.

“Every of” does not exist in English — “every” cannot be followed by “of.” Two correct options: (1) Use “every” directly before a singular noun: “Every student“; (2) Use “each of” + plural noun: “Each of the students.” “Every” must always precede a singular noun directly.

Q 07Fill in the Blank

________ student can answer this question — it is very simple. (Every / Any / Either)

Answer: Any student can answer this question.

Any as a distributive determiner means “any one, without restriction” — it is open to all. “Every student can answer” would also be grammatically acceptable, but “any” better expresses the idea that the question is so easy that even a single randomly chosen student can answer it. “Either” is only for two people.

Q 08Error Correction

Correct the error: “Neither the teacher nor the students was present for the assembly.”

Corrected: Neither the teacher nor the students were present for the assembly.

In “neither…nor” sentences, the verb agrees with the noun closest to the verb (the proximity rule). The second noun is “students” — which is plural. So the verb must be plural: were. If the order were reversed — “Neither the students nor the teacher was present” — “was” would be correct because “teacher” (singular) would be closest.

Q 09Identify the Type

“Each of the players gave their best performance.” — Is “each” a distributive determiner or a distributive pronoun?

Answer: Distributive Pronoun.

Apply the test: Is there a noun directly after “each”? No — “each” is followed by “of,” a preposition. “Each” stands alone as the subject of the sentence, replacing the idea of “every individual player.” When a distributive word has no noun following it, it is a pronoun. Compare: “Each player gave their best” — there “each” + noun “player” = determiner.

Q 10Fill in the Blank

________ the candidates performed well, and the judges found it difficult to pick a winner. (Both / Either / Neither)

Answer: Both the candidates performed well.

There are two candidates, and the sentence says they both performed well — a positive statement about the two together. Both is used when two things share a quality together. It takes a plural verb (performed). “Either” would mean one of the two. “Neither” would be negative (neither performed well) — which contradicts the sentence.

Q 11Error Correction

Correct the error: “Both the sister is a talented painter.”

Corrected: Both the sisters are talented painters.

Two errors: (1) “Both” refers to two people, so the noun must be plural — sisters, not “sister.” (2) “Both” always takes a plural verb — are, not “is.” Corrected: “Both the sisters are talented painters.”

Q 12Choose Correct Option

Either Rima or her friends ________ responsible for this. (is / are)

Answer: Either Rima or her friends are responsible for this.

In “either…or” sentences, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it (the proximity rule). The second noun is “friends” — which is plural. So the verb must be plural: are. If it were “Either her friends or Rima is responsible” — “Rima” (singular) would be closest, so “is” would be correct.

Interactive Practice Questions

✎

How to use: Read each question and select your answer. Click Check Answer for instant feedback with a full, simple explanation. Try each question on your own first!

Summary — Key Takeaways

Definition

A word placed before a noun that refers to group members individually, distributing the meaning one by one.

EEENA = Singular

Each Every Either Neither Any
All take singular noun + singular verb.

Both & All = Plural

Both (exactly 2) and All (3 or more) take plural nouns and plural verbs.

Two-Item Words

either, neither, both — only for exactly two things. For 3+: use any, none, all.

Each of / Neither of

Each of / Either of / Neither of + plural noun + singular verb.
Each of the students has…

Proximity Rule

Either…or / Neither…nor: verb agrees with the second (closer) noun.
Neither she nor they were…

Each vs Every

Each = one by one, 2+ items, can use “of”
Every = all without exception, 3+ only, no “of”

Exam 4-Step Rule

1. How many items? (2 or 3+?)
2. Positive, negative or choice?
3. Individual or together?
4. Singular or plural verb?

From Your Teacher

Distributive determiners are tested in almost every CBSE board paper through subject-verb agreement questions, error correction, and fill-in-the-blank exercises. The EEENA rule — that Each, Every, Either, Neither, and Any take singular verbs — is your most powerful tool. Remember that Both and All are the exceptions that take plural verbs. And always count the items: if there are exactly two, think either/neither/both; if there are three or more, think every/any/all/none. Master these rules, practise the interactive questions, and distributive determiners will be one of your strongest topics in the exam!