Word
by
Definitions
01the person who did it
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.
“The cake was made by my sister for my birthday party.”
“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).
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.
Synonyms
02near or next to
A1 · Beginner
prep. beside, next to, or very close to something.
prep. indicates proximity or location immediately adjacent to an object.
“We sat by the window to watch the rain outside.”
“The hikers decided to set up camp by the river, ensuring they had easy access to fresh water for the night.”
Antonyms
03not later than
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.
Español:para
“Please make sure you submit your homework by tomorrow morning.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04how something is done
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.
“You can turn on the light by pressing that small button.”
“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').
05amount of change or size
B1 · Intermediate Mathematics
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.
“The price of bread increased by twenty cents this week.”
“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.
Synonyms
06past a place
B1 · Intermediate
adv. moving past a person or place.
adv. indicates movement along a path that passes a specific point or object.
“I waved at him as he drove by in his new car.”
“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'.
Synonyms
07nearby
B1 · Intermediate
adv. near or in the area.
adv. indicates presence in the immediate vicinity.
“Don't worry, I'll be standing by if you need any help.”
“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'.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “by” in context.
Confusables
Until marks the duration of a continuous state, while by marks a deadline for a single event.
RememberUntil = How long. By = When it's due.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0