Distributives

Listen to four conversations using the grammar point.
Distributives

Distributives

Hear four conversations using this grammar point for free on elllo.org

Answer the following questions about the interview.

Distributives

Point 1: The word"each"focuses on individuals, one by one. It is singular so it must agree verbs and nouns.
  1. Each car is special.
  2. Each room has air condintioning.
  3. Each student has a book.
  4. Each car contains a navigation system.
Point 2: "Every" is similar to "each," but it is used to refer to all members of a group collectively while still treating them individually.
  1. Every child needs attention.
  2. Every car on the street is parked.
  3. Every student in the class passed the exam.
  4. He bought every book in the store.
Point 3: "All" refers to the entire group or total number of something, without focusing on individual members.

With Plural Nouns

  1. All the students are present.
  2. All the cars were damaged by the storm.

With Uncountable Nouns

  1. All the water is clean.
  2. All the cake was eaten.
Point 4: "No" refers to the absence of anything regarding the topic.

With Plural Nouns

  1. No students came to the test.
  2. No tables were available.

With Uncountable Nouns

  1. We have no time.
  2. There is no food in the fridge.
Point 5: "Both" refers to two items together, and refers to them as a set.
  1. Both my parents are doctors.
  2. Both my tires are flat on my bike.
  3. Have you met both my sisters?
  4. I have two math classes and I failed both classes.
Point 6: "Both" and "all" usually appear before a noun, but they appear after the pronoun.
  1. I ate both apples.
    1. I ate them both.
  2. I read both books.
    1. I read them both.
  3. I ate all the cookies.
    1. I ate them all.
  4. I read all the books.
    1. I read them all.
Point 7: "Either" refers to one of two options, but not both. It is used to indicate a choice between two items. It is singular.
  1. We can stay or leave. Either option is fine.
  2. They have steak or fish. Either meal will do.
  3. Both my sisters are smart. Either one can help you.
  4. I bought two shirts, but I don't like either one.
Point 8: "Neither" is used to indicate that none of the two items or people is involved or affected. It is a negative form. It is singular.
  1. We can take a bus or a taxi. Neither option is cheap.
  2. My apartment has two rooms. Neither room has a window.
  3. There are two computers in my office. I use neither one.
  4. There were two desserts. Neither one looked good.
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