A1prepositionhigh_frequency_chunk

By

UK /["/baɪ/"]/US /["/baɪ/"]/

Definition

used for showing how or in what way something is done

In simple words: near or beside something

Examples

  • The book was written by a famous author.
  • I walked by the store on my way home.
  • She sat down by the window to read.
  • The painting was created by a local artist.
  • He passed by me without saying hello.
  • The project was completed by the team ahead of schedule.

Usage notes

Used to indicate location, proximity, or the means of doing something. Often used in expressions of time, such as 'by Monday'. Avoid in formal writing when a more specific term can be used.

Grammar pattern

preposition + object

Memory hint

Remember 'by' as in 'by the side' — picturing something sitting next to another.

Collocations

  • by the way
  • by chance
  • by bus

Synonyms

  • near
  • beside
  • next to

Antonyms

  • away from
  • against

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'beside' — 'by' indicates proximity, 'beside' indicates being directly next to.
  • Using 'by' to mean 'with' in contexts like 'by giving' instead of 'by using' or 'by means of'.