1. Lesson Overview

In this lesson, you will learn:

• What distributives are
• The difference between each and every
• Either and neither (and agreement rules)
• Demonstratives: this, that, these, those
• Singular vs plural agreement
• Common structural errors

Distributives focus on members individually.
Demonstratives point to specific nouns.

2. Core Explanation 

A. What Are Distributives?

Distributives refer to individual members of a group.

Common distributives: each, every, either, neither

They are usually followed by singular nouns and singular verbs.

B. Each vs Every

Both refer to individual members, but with slightly different emphasis.

Each → individual focus (small group, two or more)
Every → collective emphasis (three or more)

Examples:

Each student received a certificate.
Every student passed the exam.

Both require singular verb forms.

Incorrect:

Each students received a certificate.

Correct:
Each student received a certificate.

C. Either and Neither

Used for two options.

Either → one of the two
Neither → not one of the two

Examples:

Either option is acceptable.
Neither answer is correct.

Both take singular verbs.

Neither of the students is ready.

Note: “Neither of + plural noun” still takes a singular verb in formal grammar.

D. Demonstratives

Demonstratives point to specific nouns.

Singular → this, that
Plural → these, those

Examples:

This experiment was successful.
That mountain is Mount Fuji.
These glaciers are melting.
Those books belong to the library.

E. Agreement Rules

Singular demonstrative → singular noun
Plural demonstrative → plural noun

Incorrect:

This books are expensive.

Correct:
These books are expensive.

F. Distance and Context

This / These → near (physically or conceptually)
That / Those → far (physically or conceptually)

Example:

This theory explains the data.
That theory was proposed in 1920.

G. Either / Neither with “of”

Structure:

either of the + plural noun
neither of the + plural noun

Verb remains singular in formal usage.

Either of the solutions is correct.
Neither country supports the proposal.

3. Visual Rule Table

4. Examples

Each country has its own policy.
Every continent has diverse climates.
Neither answer is acceptable.
Either solution works.
These species are endangered.
That monument was built in 1889.

5. Common Mistakes Spotlight

⚠ Incorrect verb agreement
Incorrect: Each students are present.
Correct: Each student is present.

⚠ Confusing singular and plural demonstratives
Incorrect: This apples are fresh.
Correct: These apples are fresh.

⚠ Using a plural verb after “neither of.”
Incorrect: Neither of the students are ready.
Correct: Neither student is ready. (formal)

6. End of Lesson Mastery

✅You should now be able to:

✅Use each and every correctly

✅Apply either and neither accurately

✅Maintain singular agreement

✅Use demonstratives with the correct number

✅Avoid high-frequency agreement errors