Demonstrative, indefinite and distributive pronouns
Use this, someone, each, either and neither as pronouns.
Not every pronoun names a definite person. This lesson covers pronouns that point, pronouns that speak generally, and pronouns that take people one at a time.
Demonstrative pronouns point to things, indefinite pronouns refer to people or things in a general way, and distributive pronouns refer to each member of a group separately.
Examples
- This is my seat.
- These are fresh samosas.
- Somebody left the gate open.
- Each of the guests was given a gift.
- Either of the two roads leads to the fort.
How it works
Demonstrative pronouns
Use this and these for things near you, and that and those for things farther away. They stand alone in place of a noun.
That was a great film.
Indefinite pronouns
Words like someone, anybody, everyone, nothing, all, many, few refer to people or things without naming them. Those ending in -one, -body, -thing take a singular verb.
Everyone is ready.
Distributive pronouns
Each, either and neither look at members one by one, so they take a singular verb. Either and neither are used for two.
Neither of my parents eats meat.
Pronoun or adjective?
If the word stands alone, it is a pronoun. If it comes before a noun, it is working as an adjective.
This is mine. (pronoun) / This bag is mine. (adjective)
Quick reference
| Kind | Words | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrative (near) | this, these | this is / these are |
| Demonstrative (far) | that, those | that is / those are |
| Indefinite (singular) | someone, anybody, everything, nobody | singular |
| Indefinite (plural) | many, few, both, several | plural |
| Distributive (any number) | each | singular |
| Distributive (two only) | either, neither | singular |
Common mistakes
✕Everybody have finished dinner.
✓Everybody has finished dinner.
Everybody is singular.
✕Either of the five pens will do.
✓Any of the five pens will do.
Either is for two; use any for more.
✕Neither of the twins are here.
✓Neither of the twins is here.
Neither takes a singular verb.
Worked example
Exercise 1
Tap the demonstrative pronoun.
Those are my new shoes.
✓Those
Those points to the shoes and stands in place of a noun.
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