by
preposition
UK/baɪ/US/baɪ/
Used to indicate the agent performing an action, the means or method by which something is done, or proximity/position next to something or someone. Also used to indicate deadlines or time limits.
Example Sentences
She placed her book by the window for easy access.
This painting was created by a famous local artist.
We’re expected to hand in the report by Friday evening.
He prefers to travel by train whenever possible.
Please leave your shoes by the door so they don’t track mud inside.
The garden by the fence is filled with colorful flowers every spring.
She strolled by the river, savoring the gentle breeze and the soothing sound of flowing water as she cleared her head of the day’s worries.
Remember to submit all registration forms by the close of business tomorrow, as late submissions won’t be considered for immediate processing.
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adverb
UK/baɪ/US/baɪ/
Indicates movement past or in proximity to something; used in expressions referring to going near, stopping briefly, or passing along.
Example Sentences
I waved as she walked by without noticing me.
The parade marched by quickly, leaving behind a festive atmosphere.
He drove by the building to see if it was still under construction.
If you see him passing by, let him know I’m looking for him.
The ambulance rushed by with its sirens blaring.
Time seemed to fly by as we worked on the project together.
We watched the clouds drift by, changing shape as they traveled across the sky, casting fleeting shadows over the fields below.
She decided to drop by her friend’s house unannounced, hoping to share the good news before heading home.
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prefix
UK/baɪ/US/baɪ/
Used as a prefix in some words to convey something that is secondary, additional, or located near or alongside something else (e.g., byproduct, bypass, bystander).
Example Sentences
The city built a bypass to reduce traffic in the downtown area.
A byproduct of the manufacturing process turned out to be valuable on its own.
Local bylaws regulate noise levels in residential areas.
He wrote a short article and put his name in the byline of the newspaper.
She served as a bystander during the protest, simply observing without taking part.
The byroad provides a scenic alternative to the main highway.
They discovered that a seemingly useless chemical byproduct could be refined and sold as a new source of revenue, turning waste into profit.
Although not part of her official duties, she took on the bywork voluntarily, hoping to gain extra experience and help the team.
Thesaurus
How to Use
Indicates location, means, or agency in various contexts.Used primarily as a preposition or adverb, this short word serves multiple grammatical functions. In its most common role, “by” specifies location or position (“There’s a cafe by the station”), showing that something is near or next to something else. It also expresses method or means, as in “We traveled by car” or “You can contact me by email,” indicating how something is done. In the passive voice, it identifies the agent responsible for an action, for example, “The book was written by her.” Additionally, you can use “by” to describe deadlines or time limits (“Finish this by Friday”), to denote measurement units (“I bought it by the kilo”), or to show increments in change or difference (“Prices rose by 10%”). Depending on the phrase or sentence construction, “by” can denote a wide range of nuances, from casual directions (“Turn by the old oak tree”) to formal references in business or academic writing (“Services provided by the vendor”). Because it is so brief and multipurpose, context is critical: ensure that the usage aligns with your intended meaning—be it location, method, agency, or something else entirely. A firm grasp of “by” helps you succinctly convey proximity, causation, or responsibility, making it a cornerstone of clear and flexible communication in English.
Alternatives
Several words and phrases can substitute or refine the meaning of “by,” depending on the context. If you need to indicate close proximity, try “near,” “beside,” or “next to” (“We stood beside the fence”). For expressing method or mode, use “via,” “through,” or “by means of” (“Submit the form via email”). In scenarios where you highlight who performs an action, especially in passive constructions, you might rewrite the sentence in active voice to remove the need for “by” altogether (“The architect designed the building,” instead of “The building was designed by the architect”). If you’re describing deadlines or time limits, “before” or “on or before” may add clarity (“Please submit on or before Friday”). For measurements or amounts, consider rephrasing for precision: “The price increased 10%” instead of “Prices rose by 10%.” Ultimately, the best alternative hinges on whether you’re signaling location, method, agent, or timing. By choosing exact synonyms or reworking the sentence, you can maintain nuance and avoid repetitive usage, ensuring your writing or speech stays crisp and engaging.
Writing
In writing, “by” offers a simple yet flexible way to anchor details of time, location, or agency. When using it to show deadlines (“Report due by Monday”), you give readers a concise timeframe. In passive voice, “by” identifies whoever or whatever performs the action: “The study was conducted by researchers at the university.” Be mindful, however, that excessive reliance on passives can make your text feel distant or unclear; sometimes rephrasing in active voice serves clarity better. For location, “by” succinctly marks proximity: “They bought a house by the lake.” Its brevity helps maintain flow and keeps sentences from becoming cluttered, though overuse might make paragraphs feel repetitive. To avoid monotony, consider mixing synonyms like “near” or “next to” where appropriate, especially in descriptive or creative writing. When writing instructions or processes, “by” can specify a method: “You can solve this by dividing both sides by three.” Whether drafting a formal report or crafting a narrative scene, use “by” judiciously—always ensure that each placement captures precisely who does what, by what means, or when something is due. A well-chosen “by” can sharpen your prose, linking essential elements without overwhelming the reader.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “by” helps you speak naturally about location, time, or how to do something. Common phrases include “Stop by my place,” which invites a quick visit, or “Call me by tomorrow,” clarifying a deadline. When you explain how something happened, you might say, “I got here by bus,” which is often simpler than describing the entire journey. If you’re suggesting a quick errand, try, “Could you swing by the store on your way home?”—it communicates location and method in one go. You’ll also hear it in casual passive constructions: “This meal was made by my friend,” which sounds more personal than overly formal. Additionally, it appears in personal stories, like “I was surprised by how easy it was,” revealing an emotion or reaction. Because it’s so common, “by” is one of those words you barely notice but can’t live without in daily chats. Whether you’re pointing out a place (“Let’s meet by the coffee shop”), describing a method (“We traveled by train”), or highlighting who did something (“It was fixed by a mechanic”), it’s an all-around helper that keeps conversation light, direct, and friendly. Sprinkle in synonyms occasionally to keep your speech lively and avoid sounding repetitive, but don’t hesitate to lean on “by” for quick, straightforward communication.
Etymology
The word “by” descends from Old English “bi,” which came from Proto-Germanic *bi, meaning “around” or “about.” Historically, it served as a preposition denoting proximity or presence in a place—an idea closely tied to the notion of being next to or near something. As Old English evolved through Middle English, “by” retained its core sense of physical closeness while absorbing additional functions. Over centuries of linguistic development, it expanded to denote agency in passive structures (“a statue carved by an artisan”), a method or means of doing something (“travel by sea”), and a marker of time or deadline (“finish by noon”). Its broadening usage reflects the natural tendency of prepositions to gain new contextual roles as speakers adapt language to fresh scenarios, from commerce and navigation to legal disclaimers and expressive idioms. While “by” may seem unassuming, it remains a linguistic workhorse, capturing the bedrock concept of adjacency—be it physical, conceptual, or temporal—and transforming that root meaning to fit the dynamic nature of English communication.
