We often saw some pronouns like these, those, either, neither, none, every, each and so on in day to day conversation. These are some of the examples of demonstrative, distributive and indefinite pronouns. In this article we are going to discuss correct use of these pronouns in detail.
Demonstrative, distributive and indefinite pronouns are types of pronouns. Demonstrative pronouns refer a person or thing that is either near or far. While distributive indicates person or thing as single in group.
Pronoun used to replace nouns like people or things in more general ways without definite mention are known as indefinite pronouns. For example, none, some, all, most are indefinite pronouns.
Among all the pronouns, demonstrative pronouns are used to refer person or thing that is either near or further away in distance. On the other hand, distributive pronouns refer things or people as single in the group.
Examples of demonstrative, distributive and indefinite pronouns
That, this — singular
These, those — plural
These are examples of demonstrative pronouns.
Now, just look at the following examples of distributive pronouns.
Each, either
Neither
One, such etc. are classified as distributive pronouns.
Each, every, none, all, some, few nobody, somebody are some examples of indefinite pronouns.
Correct use of demonstrative and distributive pronouns
Really, I like that/this. (Singular demonstrative)
My players are better than those. (Plural demonstrative pronouns)
These are some examples of math. (Plural)
This is so beautiful that. (Singular)
All are the above examples of singular and plural demonstrative pronouns.
Examples of distributive pronouns
“Each” distributive pronoun we use to refer single person or thing in group.
Every” demonstrative pronouns refers each person or thing in a group of two.
“Neither” demonstrative pronoun denotes not one nor other out of two things or person.
Like, each of the scientists is present here.
Or, each of the Ideas has better efficacy.
Next, either of alternatives has same value.
And, either of the nations is supported this.
Finally, neither of the formulas is applicable.
While using distributive pronouns like each, either and neither, plural nouns are compared such as, nations, ideas etc. But, singular form of auxiliary verb is necessary.
Understanding Indefinite and emphatic pronouns
Pronoun used to replace nouns like people or things in more general ways without definite mention are known as indefinite pronouns.
On the other hand, when pronoun is used to emphasis on noun or pronoun itself is termed as emphatic pronouns.
Emphatic pronouns are similar to reflexive pronouns but with different purposes.
Examples of indefinite pronouns
Following are the pronouns that are used as singular or plural.
Singular indefinite pronouns for person or thing
Each, either
Other, another –are known as singular indefinite pronouns for both person or thing
Plural indefinite pronouns about both person or thing
Both, few
many, several
others placed in this category.
Indefinite pronouns for general category that includes plural and singular
None, some
Most, all
Any, neither are classified as plural and singular.
Indefinite pronouns for singular people only
Importantly, while making indefinite pronouns, you should make compound word by adding either –body or –one to …
Any + body,
Every + body,
No + body,
Some + body,
Anyone,
Someone,
Everyone
Everyone
and adding + ever to relative wh + questions like whoever, whosoever.
Indefinite pronouns for singular things only
Like –body, here –thing is added to neutral indefinite.
Anything, Something, Everything, Nothing, Little, much, enough, such, this, whatever etc. are examples of indefinite pronouns for things only.
Correct use of indefinite pronouns
In this section, I’m going to present separate Examples of application of indefinite pronouns like singular plural and neutral.
Singular person or thing:-
Each would be ready to go.
Either should be considered.
Another is lost the game.
Plural person or thing:-
Both are learners.
Few are in favour of proposal
Many were present there.
Person and thing as neutral or both:-
All are busy now.
None is perfect.
Most of the players were perfect.
Indefinite pronouns for singular people
Anyone could win the game.
Someone is there to help.
Nobody will give up.
For things only but singular
Everything is ok.
Anything can happen now.
These are some examples of indefinite pronouns we use for people, things, and both. Now, let’s know some other examples of emphatic pronouns.
Short summary on demonstrative, distributive and indefinite pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns refer to thing or person that is either near or further away. That, those, this, these are Examples of of demonstrative pronouns.
Distributive pronouns refer a single person or thing in the given group.
Each, either. Neither are examples of distributive pronouns.
Pronouns indicate person or things that is not definite numbers like none, most, all, some, are classified as indefinite pronouns.
Both, few, many, some, each, all, most, are examples of indefinite pronouns.
This is all about the meaning, examples, rules, and usages of demonstrative, distributive, and indefinite pronouns.