taken with / smitten by / fascinated ++

Question

I like subtleties. Not only LOVE - right on. Thus; is there really any (big) difference between the following:

1. "..smitten with.." VS. "..smitten by.."

2. [A.] "..taken with.." VS. "..taken by.." VS. [B.] "..taken away with.." VS. "taken away by.."

Difference between 1 and 2 ?
Will 2a and 2b come out with different meanings because of the added "away" ?

And what's closest (in meaning) to "fascinated by.."

Lastly - and a bit off subject - talking about with/by.. when to use which? (is there a general rule)
And what about with/at ? [Example: "angry with.." VS. "angry at.."]

Doll · Accepted Answer

Oh *** , this calls for a study!

Yes, "with" and "by" changes the meaning but don't want me to make a generalisation. In fact, if you look this word up from the dictionary, you will find the answer.

1- The group was smitten with terror BUT he was smitten by her charm. You see that although both sentences are passive "by" and "this" are used to give different meanings. How can you give a different meaning with "with" or "by"? Answer:

He was hit with an axe ---> an axe was used by someone to hit him He was hit by an axe---> This sentence tell us that an axe hit him which is ridiculous.

2- Phrasal verbs have a role in using prepositins. For example; " go with" This suit goes with this hat.---> This hat can/should be used with this suit, they match each other. To give this meaning, you can't say this suit goes by this hat. Go byis something so different. I would like to explain "take away with" and but I really don't know it

3- You can say "attracted by" , "impressed by" instead of "fascinated by".

4- Have a look at this post to learn the difference between "angry with "and "angry by".

There is a lot to explain but this is not a place to give lessons.

Tanit · Answer

All these questions have already been answered here:

taken with / smitten by / fascinated ++

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