by
by
The word “by” is used as a preposition and as an adverb. Use “by” when something is close, or when talking about a method of transportation. You can also use “by” to refer to a source.
- Time sure goes by fast.
- I was just walking by and thought I’d stop to say “hello.”
- Who is this book by?
- Please, come by tomorrow for coffee.
- Let’s stop by the grocery store to pick up some milk.
- Can I get by you?
- He took the road less travelled by…
the word “by”
a. by = near / in the area
When “be” is a preposition, it means that something is close, or it’s in a particular area.
- Renee lives by the ocean. (She’s near the ocean or she lives very close to it.)
- A picture is hanging by the side of the door. (It’s very close to the door.)
- I keep a wastepaper basket by the side of my desk. (It’s on the floor and it’s very close.)
- May I sit by you? (I want to sit next to you or in the area where you are sitting.)
a. examples
- There’s an old bike by the side of the house.
- They are sitting by the water.
- Sitting by the side of a lake, river, or ocean provides relaxation.
b. by = method / method of travel
Methods, or ways of doing things, often use “by.” How does a person do something?
- Many people do their traveling by car.
- It’s usually cheaper to go by train rather than by flying.
- You can also travel by boat, plane, train, or bus.
- You can save a lot of money by just walking to the place where you want to go.
- I get to school by biking there.
Gerunds are often used with “by.”
- By car pooling, people save time and money in their commute. (commute = travel to work)
- You can save a lot of money by not using your car.
b. examples
- When traveling, people get around by bus, by train, or by walking.
- It’s fun to travel by train.
- He gets around by hitchhiking.
Here are some more ways to use the word “by.”
