BY and WITH

BY and WITH

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Both “by” and “with” can be used in various contexts, but they have different meanings and uses. Today we will look at the differences between them and how to use them in context.

BY

Method or means:

Used to describe how something is done.

• She travelled by train.
• He solved the problem by using a calculator.

Agent in passive voice:

Used to indicate the person or thing that performs the action in a passive sentence.

• The book was written by J.K. Rowling.
• The cake was baked by my mother.

Time:

Used to indicate a deadline or time limit.

• The assignment is due by Friday.
• We need to leave by 8 PM.

WITH

Instrument or tool:

Used to indicate the tool, instrument, or object used to perform an action.

• He cut the paper with scissors.
• She painted the picture with a brush.

Accompaniment:

Used to indicate that someone or something is accompanied by another person or thing.

• She went to the party with her friends.
• He enjoys spending time with his family.

Manner or Condition:

Used to describe the manner, feeling, or condition in which something is done.

• She spoke with enthusiasm.
• He greeted us with a smile.

Here are more example sentences:

By

• The email was sent by my colleague.
• They arrived by car.
• Finish the report by tomorrow.

With

• She stirred the soup with a spoon.
• He walked with his dog.
• They decorated the room with balloons.

In summary, “by” often indicates the method, agent, or time, while “with” indicates the instrument, accompaniment, or manner. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right preposition for your sentences.

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