by

[baɪ]

by Definition

• 1. used to show the person or thing that does something
• 2. used to show the method or tool used to do something
• 3. used to show the amount or number that is multiplied or divided into another number

Using by: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "by" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The book was written by a famous author.

• Example

  She painted the picture by using watercolors.

• Example

  Multiply 5 by 10 to get 50.

• Example

  Divide 100 by 4 to get 25.

by Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for by

• via
• through
• with
• using
• by means of

Phrases with by

• by and by

  after a short time; soon

  Example

  By and by, the sun began to set and the sky turned orange.

• by the way

  used to introduce a new subject or topic into the conversation

  Example

  By the way, did you hear about the new restaurant that just opened?

• by heart

  to memorize something completely

  Example

  She knows all the lyrics to the song by heart.

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Summary: by in Brief

The preposition 'by' [baɪ] is used to indicate the agent or instrument of an action, as in 'The book was written by a famous author,' or 'She painted the picture by using watercolors.' It can also be used to indicate multiplication or division, as in 'Multiply 5 by 10 to get 50,' or 'Divide 100 by 4 to get 25.' Other common phrases include 'by and by,' meaning 'soon,' 'by the way,' meaning 'incidentally,' and 'by heart,' meaning 'from memory.'