CONTENT
  1. All
  2. No
  3. None of

Distributives are words we use to describe how a group of people or things are divided or shared out. Some of the most common distributives in English are all, no, and none of. We use them to refer only to three or more things or people.

Example

Explanation

All students need to write this exam.

All is used to refer to the whole class.

All

Rule 1: We use all with plural nouns to refer to every element in a group of three or more people or things. The verb is conjugated accordingly.

Example

Explanation

All my vinyl records were stolen.

We use all to refer to the whole collection, and the verb were is also plural.

Rule 2: We use all of when there is a determiner (the, these, their, etc.) before a noun, but this is optional.

English

English

All my friends were happy to meet you.

All of my friends were happy to meet you.

Note: We must use all of before absolute pronouns that replace a noun (them, us, theirs, mine, etc.).

Example

Explanation

All of them were happy to meet you.

Them is an absolute pronoun that replaces the noun friends.

Rule 3: We can use the construction not all with plural nouns to divide a group.

Example

Explanation

Not all singers sound great live.

Not all is used to divide singers.

No

Rule 4: We use no before a noun in the meaning of not any or not one. The verb is conjugated accordingly.

Example

Explanation

I have no eggs left to cook an omelet.

No is used in the meaning of not one.

None of

Rule 5: We use none of before pronouns and before a noun with a determiner (the, these, their, etc.).

Example

Explanation

That's none of your business.

None of is used before a noun business with a determiner your.

Note: When none of refers to a singular noun, the verb is conjugated in the singular. When it refers to a plural noun, it is conjugated in the plural.

None of the cake was eaten. singular noun (cake), singular verb (was)
None of these dresses fit me well. plural noun (dresses), plural verb (fit)
None of the cake was eaten. singular noun (cake), singular verb (was)
None of these dresses fit me well. plural noun (dresses), plural verb (fit)

Quiz

1/4

Choose the correct distributive. We will order Chinese food for dinner because ___ guests love it.

0

correct answers.