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REFERENCE

by

prep. · adv.
  1. 1 the person who did it (prep.)
    A1 Beginner

    used to show the person or thing that does an action.

    indicates the agent in a passive construction or the person responsible for a creative work.

    Example

    The cake was made by my sister for my birthday party.

    Example

    The mural was commissioned by the city council to celebrate the diverse heritage of the local community.

    Usage

    Commonly used after a passive verb (be + past participle).
    • created by
    • done by
    Pitfall
    The 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.

  2. 2 near or next to (prep.)
    A1 Beginner

    beside, next to, or very close to something.

    indicates proximity or location immediately adjacent to an object.

    Example

    We sat by the window to watch the rain outside.

    Example

    The hikers decided to set up camp by the river, ensuring they had easy access to fresh water for the night.
    • far from
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  1. 3 not later than (prep.)
    A2 Elementary

    at or before a specific time.

    indicates a deadline or a point in time before which an action must be completed.

    Example

    Please make sure you submit your homework by tomorrow morning.

    Example

    The contractor promised that the renovations would be finished by the end of the month, barring any unforeseen structural issues.

    Usage

    Usually followed by a specific time, day, or date.
    Pitfall
    I 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.

  2. 4 how something is done (prep.)
    A1 Beginner

    used to show the method or way of doing something.

    indicates the means, medium, or manner through which an objective is achieved.

    Example

    You can turn on the light by pressing that small button.

    Example

    The research team gathered the necessary data by conducting extensive interviews with residents across three different provinces.

    Usage

    Often followed by a gerund (-ing form) or a noun without an article (e.g., 'by car').
  3. 5 amount of change or size (prep.)
    B1 Intermediate Math

    used to show a measurement, a difference in numbers, or the size of an area.

    indicates a margin of difference, a unit of measurement, or dimensions in a geometric context.

    Example

    The price of bread increased by twenty cents this week.

    Example

    The office space measures ten metres by twelve metres, providing ample room for the new workstations.

    Usage

    Used in dimensions (length by width) or to show how much a price or score changed.
    • multiplied by
  4. 6 past a place (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    moving past a person or place.

    indicates movement along a path that passes a specific point or object.

    Example

    I waved at him as he drove by in his new car.

    Example

    Several cyclists sped by while we were waiting for the bus, barely noticing the crowd on the pavement.

    Usage

    Often follows verbs of motion like 'walk', 'drive', or 'go'.
  5. 7 nearby (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    near or in the area.

    indicates presence in the immediate vicinity.

    Example

    Don't worry, I'll be standing by if you need any help.

    Example

    The emergency crew remained close by throughout the festival to ensure a rapid response to any medical incidents.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'stand by'.

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