by
- 01 A1 Beginner
prep.used to show the person or thing that does an action.
prep.indicates the agent in a passive construction or the person responsible for a creative work.
Simple“The cake was made by my sister for my birthday party.”
In context“The mural was commissioned by the city council to celebrate the diverse heritage of the local community.”
UsageCommonly used after a passive verb (be + past participle).
PitfallThe book was written from a famous author. The book was written by a famous author.Use 'by' to show the person who performed the action, especially in passive sentences.
Synonymscreated bydone by - 02 A1 Beginner
prep.beside, next to, or very close to something.
prep.indicates proximity or location immediately adjacent to an object.
Simple“We sat by the window to watch the rain outside.”
In context“The hikers decided to set up camp by the river, ensuring they had easy access to fresh water for the night.”
- 03 A2 Elementary
prep.at or before a specific time.
prep.indicates a deadline or a point in time before which an action must be completed.
Simple“Please make sure you submit your homework by tomorrow morning.”
In context“The contractor promised that the renovations would be finished by the end of the month, barring any unforeseen structural issues.”
UsageUsually followed by a specific time, day, or date.
PitfallI will finish the report until Friday. I will finish the report by Friday.Use 'until' for an action that continues up to a point; use 'by' for a single action that must happen before a deadline.
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 A1 Beginner
prep.used to show the method or way of doing something.
prep.indicates the means, medium, or manner through which an objective is achieved.
Simple“You can turn on the light by pressing that small button.”
In context“The research team gathered the necessary data by conducting extensive interviews with residents across three different provinces.”
UsageOften followed by a gerund (-ing form) or a noun without an article (e.g., 'by car').
- 05 B1 Intermediate
prep.used to show a measurement, a difference in numbers, or the size of an area.
prep.indicates a margin of difference, a unit of measurement, or dimensions in a geometric context.
Simple“The price of bread increased by twenty cents this week.”
In context“The office space measures ten metres by twelve metres, providing ample room for the new workstations.”
UsageUsed in dimensions (length by width) or to show how much a price or score changed.
Synonymsmultiplied by - 06 B1 Intermediate
adv.moving past a person or place.
adv.indicates movement along a path that passes a specific point or object.
Simple“I waved at him as he drove by in his new car.”
In context“Several cyclists sped by while we were waiting for the bus, barely noticing the crowd on the pavement.”
UsageOften follows verbs of motion like 'walk', 'drive', or 'go'.
Synonyms - 07 B1 Intermediate
adv.near or in the area.
adv.indicates presence in the immediate vicinity.
Simple“Don't worry, I'll be standing by if you need any help.”
In context“The emergency crew remained close by throughout the festival to ensure a rapid response to any medical incidents.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'stand by'.
by vs until — Until marks the duration of a continuous state, while by marks a deadline for a single event.
Usage achieve by · adopt by · affect by