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Jisu98 Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

be surprised 'at or by'?

hello! I have too many questions nowadays.

Which is right or better?

An old lady boarded and immediately three young people gave up her their seats. I was surprised by this.

I think both 'by' and 'at' are ok. But, is there any slight differene if any?

And do you use the expression 'give up a seat to somebody' ?
  

Top answer

Both at and by can be used here, Jisu but I think there is a difference. Both are used when surprised means 'astonished', but usually only by is used when it means 'taken unaware' (as in Boo! ).

— Mister Micawber

  • Both at and by can be used here, Jisu but I think there is a difference.
  • Both are used when surprised means 'astonished', but usually only by is used when it means 'taken unaware' (as in Boo!
  • ).
  • And yes-- to give up one's seat to someone is a common expression.
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3 Answers
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Both at and by can be used here, Jisu but I think there is a difference. Both are used when surprised means 'astonished', but usually only by is used when it means 'taken unaware' (as in Boo!).

And yes-- to give up one's seat to someone is a common expression.
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three young people gave up her their seats

The "her" is misplaced - three young people gave up their seats to her. But you could leave out the "to her" - it would be understood by the context what was meant simply by saying they gave up their seats.

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