How to use 'by'

'This was painted by Picasso.'

By is a versatile preposition which can be used in a number of situations. Today we take a look at some of its basic uses:

We use by to show how something is done:

We send a postcard or a letter by post.

They came by car/ by taxi/ by train/ by plane.

Note: do not use ‘the’, ‘my’ or ‘a’ when you use ‘by’. Instead use:

‘By’ in passives

In passive sentences we use by to show who or what did an action:

‘This was painted by Picasso.’

‘This house was built by my grandfather.’

‘By’ with adjectives

By can be used after the following adjectives:

‘They were impressed by my exam result.’ (‘with’ can also be used)

‘By’ as ‘next to’

By is also used to mean ‘next to’ or ‘beside’.

‘My dog came and sat by me.’

Use ‘by’ for ‘an amount’

Take a look at this other use of by:

‘He is older than me by 3 years.’

‘We sell tomatoes by the kilo.’

‘By’ as ‘no later than’

‘By’ as ‘alone’

These all show someone or something being alone:

‘I stayed at home by myself and read the newspaper.’

‘The cat opened the door by himself.’

Now that you are an expert on using ‘by’, try the quiz below! Bye-Bye!

Use the following words to complete the sentences:

train / a snake / mistake / herself / Monday / Beethoven / English ability / cash / seconds / thousands

Link: Mixed Prepositions

• The explorer was bitten by in the jungle.
• She fixed her washing machine by .
• This piece was composed by .
• He offered to pay for the damage by .
• The game was watched by of fans.
• She was quicker than me by 5 .
• I am impressed by your .
• Have the report on my desk by .
• Sorry, I stepped on your foot by .
• He travelled all the way by .