What does it mean?
Prepositions of agent or instrument tell us who did an action or what was used to do it. They are common in passive sentences and in sentences about tools, methods, materials, sources, and causes.
written by an author
drawn with a pencil
sent via email
made of wood
Ask: Who did it, or what was used?
byShows the doer or agent, often in passive voice.The song was written by Salim.
withShows a tool, instrument, or thing used.She wrote with a pen.
usingAlso shows the method or tool.He fixed it using a small key.
By shows the person or thing that causes the action.
This book was written by my favorite author.The author did the writing.by + agent
The window was broken by the ball.The ball caused the break.by + cause
The cake was made by Lina.Lina is the doer.common in passive voice
With shows the tool or instrument.
She wrote with a fountain pen.The pen is the tool.with + tool
Ali cut the paper with scissors.Scissors did not choose; Ali used them.tool, not agent
We painted the wall with a brush.The brush is the instrument.with + instrument
Use by for the doer. Use with for the tool.
The letter was written by Sara.Sara is the doer.person = by
The letter was written with a blue pen.The pen is the tool.tool = with
This book was written by my favorite author with a fountain pen.Author = doer. Pen = tool.by + agent, with + instrument
Using explains the tool, method, or technique.
He opened the door using a card.The card was the tool.using + tool
They learned English using songs.Songs were the method.using + method
The picture was made using a computer.The computer helped make it.using is clear and direct
Through and via show the channel or method.
We sent the form via email.Email is the channel.via = by way of
She got help through her teacher.The teacher was the channel of help.through + channel
The news spread through social media.Social media carried the news.method or route
These can show source or material.
Cheese is made from milk.The material changes into something new.from + changed material
The table is made of wood.You can still recognize the material.of + material
She made a toy out of paper.Paper was changed into a toy.out of + material
Some preposition phrases show reason or cause.
The game stopped because of the rain.The rain caused the stop.because of + cause
The delay happened due to traffic.Traffic caused the delay.due to + cause
He succeeded through hard work.Hard work was the means.through + means
Important noteFor people who do the action in passive voice, by is usually best.painted by Maha
Choose the agent word.
This book was written ___ my favorite author.
Choose the instrument word.
The author wrote the story ___ a fountain pen.
Choose the material word.
The desk is made ___ wood.
Which sentence uses by for the doer?
Choose the best sentence.
Which sentence shows a channel or method?
Choose the best sentence.
Fill five blanks.
Choose the word that best shows the agent, instrument, material, channel, or cause.
The mural was painted the art club.
They painted it small brushes.
The photos were shared the school website.
The frame is made metal.
The match stopped heavy rain.
Mixed question types of 5
Answer all five. Then tap Finish test to see your result sheet.
1. Sentence completion
The song was sung ___ the children.
2. MCQ
Which sentence shows a tool?
3. Type the answer
Rami solved the problem ___ a calculator.
4. Type the answer
Paper is made ___ wood.
5. MCQ
Which sentence shows cause?
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