Prepositions are fundamental components of the English language, and they often pose challenges for learners due to their nuanced usage and the subtle distinctions between them. Among the various categories of prepositions, prepositions of agency are particularly noteworthy. These prepositions help us convey who or what is responsible for an action, a concept integral to clear and precise communication.
Understanding prepositions of agency can greatly improve your writing and speaking skills. In this article, we will delve into the most commonly used prepositions of agency, their functions, and how to use them correctly in different contexts. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you will have a clearer understanding of these prepositions and be able to use them with confidence.
What Are Prepositions of Agency?
Prepositions of agency indicate the person, entity, or thing that performs an action. They essentially answer the question “by whom?” or “by what?”. The most common prepositions of agency in English are by and with. Each of these prepositions has specific uses and rules that govern their usage.
By
The preposition by is used to indicate the agent or doer of an action, especially in passive constructions. It is used to show who or what is responsible for an action. Here are some key points to remember about using by:
1. **Passive Voice**: In passive sentences, by is used to introduce the agent performing the action.
– Example: “The book was written by the author.”
– Explanation: In this sentence, the agent performing the action of writing is “the author,” and the passive structure emphasizes the action over the doer.
2. **Means or Method**: By can also indicate the means or method through which an action is performed.
– Example: “He traveled by train.”
– Explanation: Here, by shows the method of travel.
3. **Authorship or Origin**: By is commonly used to indicate the creator or originator of a work.
– Example: “A novel by Jane Austen.”
– Explanation: This use of by indicates who wrote the novel.
4. **Time Indication**: By can also be used to indicate a deadline or a specific time by which something should be completed.
– Example: “Submit the report by Friday.”
– Explanation: This indicates the latest time by which the report should be submitted.
With
The preposition with is used to indicate the instrument, tool, or means by which an action is performed. Here are some key points to remember about using with:
1. **Instrument or Tool**: With is used to show the instrument or tool used to perform an action.
– Example: “She cut the paper with scissors.”
– Explanation: In this sentence, with indicates the tool (scissors) used to perform the action of cutting.
2. **Accompaniment**: With can also indicate accompaniment, showing that someone or something is accompanying another.
– Example: “He went to the movie with his friends.”
– Explanation: This use of with shows that “his friends” accompanied him to the movie.
3. **Possession**: With can indicate possession or characteristic.
– Example: “A woman with a kind heart.”
– Explanation: Here, with shows a characteristic or possession of the woman.
4. **Agreement or Support**: With can also be used to show agreement or support.
– Example: “I agree with your opinion.”
– Explanation: This indicates agreement with the opinion.
Comparing “By” and “With”
While both by and with are prepositions of agency, they have distinct differences in their usage and meaning. Understanding these differences is crucial for using them correctly.
Agent vs. Instrument
One of the main differences between by and with lies in the distinction between the agent and the instrument:
– By is used to indicate the agent, the one who performs the action.
– Example: “The cake was baked by Mary.”
– Explanation: Mary is the agent performing the action of baking.
– With is used to indicate the instrument or tool used to perform the action.
– Example: “She stirred the mixture with a spoon.”
– Explanation: The spoon is the instrument used to stir the mixture.
Means vs. Accompaniment
Another key distinction is between means and accompaniment:
– By can indicate the means or method through which an action is performed.
– Example: “He sent the package by mail.”
– Explanation: Mail is the means through which the package was sent.
– With can indicate accompaniment, showing that someone or something accompanies another.
– Example: “She went to the party with her sister.”
– Explanation: Her sister accompanied her to the party.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners of English can sometimes misuse prepositions of agency. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Misusing “By” and “With”
One common mistake is using by when with is required, and vice versa. Remember the key distinctions:
– Use by when indicating the agent performing the action, especially in passive sentences.
– Use with when indicating the instrument, tool, or accompaniment.
Overusing “By” in Active Sentences
Another common mistake is overusing by in active sentences where it is not needed.
– Incorrect: “Mary baked the cake by Mary.”
– Correct: “Mary baked the cake.”
In active sentences, the subject (Mary) is already performing the action, so adding by is redundant.
Incorrect Time Indication
Using by incorrectly to indicate time can also cause confusion.
– Incorrect: “I will finish the project with Friday.”
– Correct: “I will finish the project by Friday.”
Use by to indicate a deadline or specific time.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of prepositions of agency, here are some practice exercises. Try to fill in the blanks with the correct preposition (by or with):
1. The song was sung ___ the choir.
2. She fixed the car ___ a wrench.
3. The letter was written ___ John.
4. He painted the picture ___ a brush.
5. The story was told ___ the grandmother.
6. She walked ___ her dog to the park.
7. The exam must be completed ___ 3 PM.
8. He solved the puzzle ___ great skill.
9. The meal was prepared ___ the chef.
10. She brushed her hair ___ a comb.
Answers:
1. by
2. with
3. by
4. with
5. by
6. with
7. by
8. with
9. by
10. with
Advanced Usage and Nuances
For more advanced learners, it is important to understand the nuances and more complex uses of prepositions of agency. Let’s explore some advanced scenarios and exceptions.
Idiomatic Expressions
Some idiomatic expressions use by and with in ways that may not strictly adhere to the rules discussed above. For example:
– “By heart” means to memorize something completely.
– Example: “She learned the poem by heart.”
– “With all due respect” is a polite way to disagree with someone.
– Example: “With all due respect, I think your conclusion is incorrect.”
Understanding these idiomatic expressions requires familiarity and practice, as they often don’t follow the literal meanings of by and with.
Passive Constructions in Different Tenses
Prepositions of agency in passive constructions can appear in various tenses. Here are some examples:
– Present Simple Passive: “The report is prepared by the team.”
– Past Simple Passive: “The report was prepared by the team.”
– Present Continuous Passive: “The report is being prepared by the team.”
– Present Perfect Passive: “The report has been prepared by the team.”
Each of these examples shows how by functions across different tenses in passive constructions.
Combining Prepositions
Sometimes, prepositions of agency can be combined with other prepositions to convey more specific meanings. For example:
– “By means of” indicates the method or way something is done.
– Example: “The solution was found by means of an experiment.”
– “With the help of” indicates assistance in performing an action.
– Example: “She completed the project with the help of her colleagues.”
Understanding these combinations can add precision to your language use.
Conclusion
Prepositions of agency are essential for expressing who or what is responsible for an action. Mastering their usage can significantly enhance your communication skills in English. By understanding the distinctions between by and with, recognizing common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can use these prepositions with confidence and accuracy.
Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and practice is key to mastery. Keep reading, writing, and speaking in English, and pay attention to how native speakers use prepositions of agency. Over time, you will develop a natural feel for their correct usage.
Happy learning!
