What does “by” mean?
- 1
prepositionused to show who or what does something
This song was written by my brother.
- 2
prepositionnear or beside
She sat by the window.
- 3
prepositionnot later than
Please finish the report by Friday.
By at a glance
- Part of speech
- preposition
- CEFR level
- A1 (beginner)
- Pronunciation
- /baɪ/ · BY
How to use “by” correctly
Use “by” for transport without “the”: “by bus”, “by train”, but “on foot”. “By Friday” means no later than Friday; “until Friday” means continuing up to Friday.
Common phrases with “by”
- by car
- by the way
- by yourself
- by mistake
“by” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- about prepositionA1on the subject of; connected with
- at prepositionA1used to show an exact place or position
- for prepositionA1intended to be given to or used by someone or something
- from prepositionA1used to show where someone or something starts or comes from
- in prepositionA1inside or within a place, container or area
- into prepositionA1moving to the inside of a place or container
- of prepositionA1belonging to or connected with someone or something
- on prepositionA1touching or supported by the top of a surface