"By" in English

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When to use "By" in English.

[admin]

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by preposition (AGENT)

Used to show the person or thing that does something
The car was driven by a tiny man.
We were amazed by what he told us.
I'm reading some short stories by Chekhov.

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by preposition (METHOD)

Used to show how something is done
They travelled across Europe by train.
She did the decorating by herself (= alone, without help from anyone).
We went in by (= through) the front door.
He learned English by listening to the radio.

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by preposition (POSITION)

Near or at the side of
We spent a week by the coast.
He wanted to keep a child close by him always.

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by preposition (NOT LATER THAN)

Not later than; at or before
He had promised to be back by five o'clock.
The application must be in by the 31st to be accepted.

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by preposition (MEASUREMENT)

Used to show measurements or amounts
Their wages were increased by 20 percent.
Freelance workers are paid by the hour (= for every hour they work).

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by preposition (DURING)

We travelled by night and rested by day.

At the side of or (in distance or time) past
The policeman walked by without saying a word.
Why don't you call in for a cup of coffee next time you're passing by?
The years flew by.

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by preposition (ACCORDING TO)

According to
By my watch, it’s 5 o’clock.
The students were listed by name.

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