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Kenny1999 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

how to determine whether to use 'by' or 'with'

sometimes I find it hard to determine whether 'by' or 'with' should be used, esp when it comes to talking about the method.

I will cut down the tree by a saw
I will cut down the tree with a saw

It sounds they are both correct. native speaker what is your opinion?

I want to take this chance to have further questions with ''BY''

I will do it myself
I will do it by myself

I think they are both correct, but what is the difference?
  

Top answer

"I will cut down the tree by a saw" is incorrect. You can say "with a saw" or "using a saw". The pattern "by + article + noun" is not generically used in the sense of "using" (possibly there may be certain idiomatic exceptions).

— GPY

  • "I will cut down the tree by a saw" is incorrect.
  • You can say "with a saw" or "using a saw".
  • The pattern "by + article + noun" is not generically used in the sense of "using" (possibly there may be certain idiomatic exceptions).
  • "I will do it myself" emphasises that you, rather than someone else, will do it.
  • "I will do it by myself" emphasises that no one else will help you, or that you will be alone when you do it.
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4 Answers
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"I will cut down the tree by a saw" is incorrect. You can say "with a saw" or "using a saw". The pattern "by + article + noun" is not generically used in the sense of "using" (possibly there may be certain idiomatic exceptions).

"I will do it myself" emphasises that you, rather than someone else, will do it. "I will do it by myself" emphasises that no one else will help you, or that you w
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Hi

DId you mean both

The tree was cut down with a saw

and

The tree was cut down using a saw

are right?

How about

The tree was cut down by using a saw?

It sounds absolutely correct. It's also something I always want to know, what's the difference btw by using and using
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kenny1999I will cut down the tree with a saw.
Correct. Also,

to paint with a big brush
to clean the table with a sponge
to dry the dishes with a towel
to fix a fence with a hammer and nails
to light a fire with a match
kenny19991) I will do it myself 2) I will do it by myself
Both 1) and 2) can mea
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kenny1999DId you mean bothThe tree was cut down with a saw and The tree was cut down using a saw are right?
Yes.
kenny1999It's also something I always want to know, what's the difference btw by using and using
You will see "by using" and "using" used interchangeably. Personally I don't see any reason to say "by using",
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