What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
by
Example
I usually go to work by car. [by: preposition]
Example
The book was written by a famous author. [by: preposition]
via
Example
We traveled from New York to London via Paris. [via: preposition]
Example
I sent the document to my colleague via email. [via: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
By is more commonly used than via in everyday language. By is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while via is less common and tends to be used in more formal or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between by and via?
While by is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, via is more formal and is often used in written or technical contexts.