Mastering "By": Sentence Examples and Usage Guide

The preposition “by” is a versatile word in the English language, serving various functions from indicating location and means to expressing agency and time. A solid understanding of its usage is crucial for constructing clear, precise, and grammatically correct sentences.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the different uses of “by,” complete with numerous examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you master this essential preposition.

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Introduction
Definition of “By”
Structural Breakdown
Types and Categories of “By”
Examples of “By” in Sentences
Usage Rules for “By”
Common Mistakes with “By”
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion

Introduction

The preposition “by” is a fundamental element of English grammar, appearing frequently in both spoken and written language. Mastering its various uses is essential for clear communication and a deeper understanding of sentence structure.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to using “by” correctly, covering its different meanings, common constructions, and potential pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an advanced student looking to refine your skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use “by” in your everyday communication.

Definition of “By”

“By” is a preposition that indicates a variety of relationships between elements in a sentence. It can denote proximity, means, agency, time, measurement, or state, depending on the context.

Understanding its various functions is key to interpreting and constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. As a preposition, “by” is always followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase (the object of the preposition).

Classification: Preposition

Function: To indicate location, means, agent, time, measurement, state, or comparison.

Contexts: Used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversation to formal writing.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure involving “by” is: [Subject] + [Verb] + by + [Object of the Preposition (Noun/Pronoun/Noun Phrase)]. The object of the preposition provides the specific information related to the type of relationship “by” establishes. For example, in the sentence “The book was written by Jane,” “Jane” is the object of the preposition and indicates the agent of the action (writing). The prepositional phrase “by Jane” modifies the verb “was written,” providing essential information about who performed the action.

Consider these examples:

He stood by the river. (“by” indicates location – proximity to the river)
She traveled by train. (“by” indicates means of transportation – the train)
The cake was baked by my mother. (“by” indicates the agent – the mother)
I need it done by Friday. (“by” indicates a deadline – Friday)

Types and Categories of “By”

The preposition “by” has several distinct uses. Each use conveys a different relationship between the elements in the sentence.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main categories:

By Indicating Location

In this usage, “by” indicates proximity or nearness to something. It suggests that something or someone is close to a particular place or object.

This can imply physical closeness or a general vicinity.

By Indicating Means or Method

“By” can also indicate the means or method by which something is accomplished. This often refers to transportation, communication, or the way in which an action is performed.

It specifies how something is done or achieved.

By Indicating the Agent of an Action

When used to indicate the agent of an action, “by” identifies the person or thing that performs the action, typically in passive voice constructions. It clarifies who or what is responsible for carrying out the action described by the verb.

By Indicating Time or Deadline

In terms of time, “by” specifies a deadline or the latest time at which something should be completed. It sets a limit on when an action must be finished, indicating that it needs to be done no later than the stated time.

By Indicating Measurement or Extent

“By” can also be used to indicate a measurement or extent, often expressing how much something increases or decreases. It shows the degree or amount of change that occurs.

By Indicating a State or Condition

Sometimes, “by” indicates a state or condition that something is in. This usage describes the circumstances or situation surrounding an action or event.

By in Comparisons

While less common, “by” can be used in comparisons to show the degree of difference or similarity between two things. It highlights the extent to which something surpasses or falls short of something else.

Examples of “By” in Sentences

To illustrate the different uses of “by,” here are extensive examples categorized by the functions described above. These examples will provide a clear understanding of how to use “by” correctly in various contexts.

Location Examples

The following table provides examples of “by” indicating location. In these sentences, “by” shows that something or someone is located near a specific place or object.

Sentence	Explanation
The cat was sleeping by the fireplace.	The cat is located near the fireplace.
She sat by the window, watching the rain.	She is positioned close to the window.
The old oak tree stands by the riverbank.	The tree is located near the riverbank.
He lives by the sea.	His residence is near the sea.
The children were playing by the park entrance.	The children are playing near the park entrance.
A small cottage stood by the edge of the forest.	The cottage is located near the forest’s edge.
The guard stood by the gate.	The guard is positioned close to the gate.
We parked the car by the side of the road.	The car is parked near the road’s side.
The restaurant is by the bridge.	The restaurant is located near the bridge.
She placed the vase by the mirror.	The vase is positioned near the mirror.
He waited by the bus stop.	He is waiting near the bus stop.
The dog was lying by his owner’s feet.	The dog is lying close to his owner’s feet.
A small town is located by the mountains.	The town is situated near the mountains.
The artist set up his easel by the lake.	The easel is placed near the lake.
They built their house by the river.	The house is built near the river.
The bird perched by the feeder.	The bird is perched near the feeder.
The store is located by the post office.	The store is situated near the post office.
He left his bag by the door.	The bag is left near the door.
She planted flowers by the fence.	The flowers are planted near the fence.
The cat curled up by the radiator.	The cat is curled up near the radiator.
The sculpture stood proudly by the entrance.	The sculpture is positioned near the entrance.
They relaxed by the pool.	They relaxed near the pool.
The cafe is just by the corner.	The cafe is located near the corner.
He was sitting by the campfire.	He was sitting near the campfire.
The lighthouse stands by the cliff.	The lighthouse is located near the cliff.
She leaned by the railing.	She leaned near the railing.
The bench is by the fountain.	The bench is located near the fountain.
The statue is by the museum entrance.	The statue is located near the museum entrance.

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Means or Method Examples

This table illustrates how “by” indicates the means or method by which something is done. It specifies how actions are performed, often referring to transportation or communication.

Sentence	Explanation
I usually travel to work by bus.	The means of transportation is the bus.
She sent the package by mail.	The method of sending is through the mail.
He learned English by watching movies.	The method of learning is watching movies.
We communicated by email.	The means of communication is email.
They paid for the goods by credit card.	The method of payment is using a credit card.
She unlocked the door by using a key.	The method of unlocking the door is using a key.
He earned money by writing articles.	The method of earning money is writing articles.
We solved the problem by working together.	The method of solving the problem is collaboration.
They contacted us by phone.	The means of communication is the phone.
She improved her health by exercising regularly.	The method of improving health is regular exercise.
He controlled the drone by remote.	The method of controlling the drone is using a remote.
She learned to cook by following recipes.	The method of learning to cook is following recipes.
They reached the summit by climbing the north face.	The means of reaching the summit is climbing.
He expressed his feelings by writing a poem.	The method of expressing feelings is writing a poem.
She managed to finish the project by working overtime.	The method of finishing the project is working overtime.
The message was delivered by hand.	The method of delivery is by hand.
He fixed the computer by reinstalling the operating system.	The method of fixing the computer is reinstalling the OS.
She learned about the culture by traveling to different countries.	The method of learning about the culture is traveling.
They gained knowledge by attending seminars.	The method of gaining knowledge is attending seminars.
He succeeded by working hard.	The method of succeeding is working hard.
We navigated the city by using a map.	The method of navigating the city is using a map.
She achieved her goals by setting priorities.	The method of achieving her goals is setting priorities.
They found a solution by brainstorming ideas.	The method of finding a solution is brainstorming.
He reduced his stress by practicing meditation.	The method of reducing stress is practicing meditation.
She stayed informed by reading newspapers.	The method of staying informed is reading newspapers.
They promoted their business by advertising online.	The method of promoting their business is advertising online.
He protected himself by wearing a mask.	The method of protecting himself is wearing a mask.
She healed her wounds by taking care of them.	The method of healing her wounds is taking care of them.

Agent of an Action Examples

The following table provides examples of “by” indicating the agent of an action. In these sentences, “by” identifies who or what performed the action, typically in passive voice constructions.

Sentence	Explanation
The book was written by J.K. Rowling.	J.K. Rowling is the author of the book.
The painting was created by Leonardo da Vinci.	Leonardo da Vinci is the artist of the painting.
The song was performed by Adele.	Adele is the singer of the song.
The house was built by a local construction company.	The construction company built the house.
The cake was baked by my grandmother.	My grandmother baked the cake.
The window was broken by the wind.	The wind broke the window.
The mistake was made by accident.	The mistake happened accidentally.
The law was passed by the parliament.	The parliament passed the law.
The car was driven by her brother.	Her brother drove the car.
The food was prepared by the chef.	The chef prepared the food.
The report was written by the research team.	The research team wrote the report.
The contract was signed by both parties.	Both parties signed the contract.
The decision was made by the committee.	The committee made the decision.
The project was managed by the project manager.	The project manager managed the project.
The problem was solved by the engineers.	The engineers solved the problem.
The proposal was approved by the board.	The board approved the proposal.
The letter was delivered by the postman.	The postman delivered the letter.
The package was sent by the company.	The company sent the package.
The announcement was made by the president.	The president made the announcement.
The discovery was made by the scientist.	The scientist made the discovery.
The play was directed by the famous director.	The famous director directed the play.
The game was won by our team.	Our team won the game.
The prize was awarded by the organization.	The organization awarded the prize.
The lesson was taught by the teacher.	The teacher taught the lesson.
The garden was tended by the gardener.	The gardener tended the garden.
The experiment was conducted by the students.	The students conducted the experiment.
The film was produced by the studio.	The studio produced the film.
The event was organized by the volunteers.	The volunteers organized the event.
The website was designed by the web developer.	The web developer designed the website.

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Time or Deadline Examples

This table shows how “by” indicates a deadline or the latest time at which something should be completed. It sets a limit on when an action must be finished.

Sentence	Explanation
I need the report finished by Friday.	The report must be finished no later than Friday.
Please submit your application by the end of the month.	The application must be submitted no later than the end of the month.
The payment is due by the 15th.	The payment must be made no later than the 15th.
We need to leave by 6 AM.	We must leave no later than 6 AM.
The project should be completed by next week.	The project must be completed no later than next week.
I will call you by tomorrow evening.	I will call you no later than tomorrow evening.
He promised to return by noon.	He promised to return no later than noon.
She needs to arrive by 8 o’clock.	She must arrive no later than 8 o’clock.
The deadline for registration is by July 1st.	Registration must be completed no later than July 1st.
They hope to finish the construction by spring.	They hope to finish the construction no later than spring.
I expect to hear from you by then.	I expect to hear from you no later than then.
The work must be done by the end of the day.	The work must be done no later than the end of the day.
We aim to launch the product by Q4.	We aim to launch the product no later than Q4.
She wants to graduate by next year.	She wants to graduate no later than next year.
He intends to pay off his debt by 2025.	He intends to pay off his debt no later than 2025.
The repairs must be completed by the weekend.	The repairs must be completed no later than the weekend.
The concert should start by 7:30 PM.	The concert should start no later than 7:30 PM.
The shipment will arrive by Thursday.	The shipment will arrive no later than Thursday.
The meeting will conclude by 5 o’clock.	The meeting will conclude no later than 5 o’clock.
The weather is expected to improve by tomorrow.	The weather is expected to improve no later than tomorrow.
The store will be closed by midnight.	The store will be closed no later than midnight.
The train is scheduled to depart by 10 AM.	The train is scheduled to depart no later than 10 AM.
The event will be over by sunset.	The event will be over no later than sunset.
The contract expires by December 31st.	The contract expires no later than December 31st.
The warranty is valid by the date of purchase.	The warranty is valid no later than the date of purchase.

Measurement or Extent Examples

This table illustrates how “by” can indicate a measurement or extent, often expressing how much something increases or decreases. It shows the degree or amount of change that occurs.

Sentence	Explanation
The price of gas increased by 10%.	The price went up by 10%.
The company’s profits rose by 20% this year.	The profits increased by 20%.
The population of the city grew by 5% in the last decade.	The population increased by 5%.
The temperature dropped by 15 degrees overnight.	The temperature decreased by 15 degrees.
Her salary was increased by $5000.	Her salary went up by $5000.
The stock market fell by 200 points today.	The stock market decreased by 200 points.
The recipe calls for reducing the sauce by half.	The sauce must be reduced by 50%.
The team improved their score by 10 points.	The score increased by 10 points.
The discount is available for items reduced by 30%.	The items are 30% cheaper.
The weight of the package exceeded the limit by 2 pounds.	The package was 2 pounds over the limit.
The speed limit was increased by 10 mph.	The speed limit went up by 10 mph.
The volume of sales decreased by 25% last quarter.	The sales decreased by 25%.
The water level rose by several feet after the storm.	The water level increased by several feet.
The cost of living has increased by a significant amount.	The cost of living has risen significantly.
The efficiency of the machine improved by 15%.	The machine became 15% more efficient.
The company expanded its operations by opening new branches.	The company grew by opening new branches.
The project was completed ahead of schedule by several weeks.	The project finished several weeks early.
The number of visitors increased by 40% during the summer.	The number of visitors rose by 40%.
The quality of the product was enhanced by using better materials.	The product improved by using better materials.
The area was affected by the drought.	The area suffered because of the drought.
The debt was reduced by making regular payments.	The debt decreased by making regular payments.
The intensity of the light was reduced by adjusting the dimmer.	The light became less intense.
The level of noise was reduced by installing soundproofing.	The noise decreased by installing soundproofing.
The amount of waste was reduced by recycling efforts.	The waste decreased by recycling.

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State or Condition Examples

This table shows how “by” indicates a state or condition that something is in. This usage describes the circumstances or situation surrounding an action or event.

Sentence	Explanation
He was exhausted by the end of the day.	He was in a state of exhaustion at the end of the day.
She was surprised by the sudden news.	She was in a state of surprise because of the news.
They were impressed by his dedication.	They were in a state of impressedness because of his dedication.
We were saddened by the loss.	We were in a state of sadness because of the loss.
She was touched by his kindness.	She was in a state of being touched because of his kindness.
He was motivated by the challenge.	He was in a state of motivation because of the challenge.
They were inspired by her story.	They were in a state of inspiration because of her story.
She was overwhelmed by the support.	She was in a state of being overwhelmed because of the support.
He was frustrated by the delays.	He was in a state of frustration because of the delays.
They were disturbed by the noise.	They were in a state of disturbance because of the noise.
She was captivated by the performance.	She was in a state of captivation because of the performance.
He was intrigued by the mystery.	He was in a state of intrigue because of the mystery.
They were fascinated by the culture.	They were in a state of fascination because of the culture.
She was moved by the music.	She was in a state of being moved because of the music.
He was energized by the positive feedback.	He was in a state of being energized because of the positive feedback.
They were encouraged by the progress.	They were in a state of encouragement because of the progress.
She was relieved by the good news.	She was in a state of relief because of the good news.
He was annoyed by the interruption.	He was in a state of annoyance because of the interruption.
They were impressed by the quality.	They were in a state of impressedness because of the quality.
She was amused by the joke.	She was in a state of amusement because of the joke.

Comparison Examples

Sentence	Explanation
He is taller than his brother by two inches.	Indicates the difference in height between him and his brother.
This car is faster than the old one by 20 mph.	Indicates the difference in speed between the two cars.
The new model is more efficient by 15%.	Indicates the degree of improvement in efficiency.
She outperformed her previous score by a significant margin.	Indicates a notable difference in performance.

Usage Rules for “By”

Using “by” correctly involves understanding the specific context and the relationship it establishes. Here are some key rules to follow:

Location: Use “by” to indicate proximity or nearness. For example, “The house is by the river.”
Means/Method: Use “by” to specify how something is done or achieved. For example, “She traveled by train.”
Agent: Use “by” to identify the performer of an action in passive voice sentences. For example, “The letter was written by him.”
Time: Use “by” to set a deadline or latest time. For example, “The report is due by Friday.”
Measurement: Use “by” to indicate the amount of increase or decrease. For example, “The price increased by 10%.”
State: Use “by” to indicate the cause of a certain emotion or state. For example, “He was saddened by the news.”

Exceptions and Special Cases:

In some idiomatic expressions, the use of “by” might not fit neatly into the above categories but is still correct. For example, “side by side,” “day by day.”

Common Mistakes with “By”

One common mistake is confusing “by” with other prepositions like “with” or “near.” Here are some examples of common errors and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I went to the station with bus.	I went to the station by bus.	“By” indicates the means of transportation.
The book was written with her.	The book was written by her.	“By” indicates the agent (the writer).
The house is near the lake.	The house is by the lake.	Both are acceptable, but “by” emphasizes proximity, whereas “near” specifies a general vicinity.
I need it before Friday.	I need it by Friday.	“By” indicates the deadline, not simply sometime before Friday.
She was happy with the compliment.	She was pleased by the compliment.	“By” indicates the cause of a certain emotional state.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “by” with the following exercises. These exercises cover different aspects of “by” usage, from filling in the blanks to correcting and constructing sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition (“by”).

Question	Answer
1. The package was delivered ______ the courier.	by
2. I need the report finished ______ tomorrow.	by
3. She sat ______ the window.	by
4. He travels to work ______ train.	by
5. The price of the product increased ______ 20%.	by
6. The cake was baked ______ my mother.	by
7. The city is located ______ the river.	by
8. He learned to play the guitar ______ watching videos.	by
9. The concert will

Mastering “By”: Sentence Examples and Usage Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

Definition of “By”

Structural Breakdown