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Kenny1999 Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
What's the different between 'by' and 'with' ?
Example
1. I will finish the task with a computer
2. I will finish the task by a computer.
I can "feel" that the first one is correct but why? I know that both 'by' and 'with' can be used to express the method used, but
when to use 'by' and when to use 'with' when it comes to talking about methods?
Thank you.
1. I will finish the task with a computer
2. I will finish the task by a computer.
I can "feel" that the first one is correct but why? I know that both 'by' and 'with' can be used to express the method used, but
when to use 'by' and when to use 'with' when it comes to talking about methods?
Thank you.
Top answer
The first sentence is correct. The preposition 'with' implies interaction with something. In the first sentence, you are basically saying that you will use a computer to finish the task.
- The first sentence is correct.
- The preposition 'with' implies interaction with something.
- In the first sentence, you are basically saying that you will use a computer to finish the task.
- The 'by' preposition in the second sentence is indicating a place.
- 'By' in this context means 'beside' or 'next to'.
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5 Answers
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The first sentence is correct. The preposition 'with' implies interaction with something. In the first sentence, you are basically saying that you will use a computer to finish the task.
The 'by' preposition in the second sentence is indicating a place. 'By' in this context means 'beside' or 'next to'. In other words, you will either be standing or sitting by [beside/next to] a computer t
The 'by' preposition in the second sentence is indicating a place. 'By' in this context means 'beside' or 'next to'. In other words, you will either be standing or sitting by [beside/next to] a computer t
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kenny19991. I will finish the task with a computer
2. I will finish the task by a computer.I'm not sure what the standard explanation is.
#1 is standard English.
In #2, I'd say that "by X" is an idiom. The article is not used! We're giving a name to a method.
She learns best by rote.
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kenny1999how about "We go to school by bus?"by is used with most methods of transportation.
to [go / travel] by [bus / train / plane / taxi]
with ( a ) is used with most hand-held tools.
to accomplish a task with a [knife / hammer / broom / pencil]
by -ing is used with procedures.
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CalifJim kenny1999how about "We go to school by bus?"by is used with most methods of transportation.to [go / travel] by [bus / train / plane / taxi]with ( a ) is used with most hand-held tools.to accomplish a task with a [knife / hammer / broom / pencil]by -ing is used with procedures.to accomplish something by [writing a letter / making a contribution / joining a club /
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