Definition & Meaning of "distributive pronoun"

What is a "distributive pronoun"?

A distributive pronoun is a type of pronoun used to refer to members of a group separately rather than collectively. The main distributive pronouns in English are "each," "every," "either," and "neither." For example, in the sentence "Each of the students passed the exam," the pronoun "each" emphasizes that every individual student is considered separately. Similarly, in "Either of the options is acceptable," the pronoun "either" indicates a choice between two distinct options. Distributive pronouns help clarify relationships and actions among individuals in a group, highlighting individual members rather than the group as a whole. Understanding distributive pronouns is important for conveying precise meanings in sentences.