What Part of Speech is By?

The word by may look small, but it plays a big role in English grammar. If you are learning English, understanding how and when to use by can help you speak and write more clearly.

In this article, you will learn the different uses of the word “by” along with plenty of examples to completely understand the functions of the word “by”.

What Part of Speech is “By”?

The word by is used in many different ways in English. You might see it in sentences like:

• The book was written by a famous author.
• We traveled by car.
• He walked by without speaking. 

Each time, “by” is doing something different! So what part of speech is it really?

Most of the time, by is a preposition. But depending on the sentences, it can also be an adverb, or it can be part of a phrasal verb. Let’s look at each use one by one, with simple examples to help you understand.

“By” as a Preposition

A preposition is a word that shows a relationship between things. It tells us how, where, when, or by whom something happens.

Examples of “By” as a Preposition

Here are some examples where by is a preposition:

• The cake was made by my sister. 
• We sat by the fire.
• She traveled by train.

Common Uses of “By” in Sentences

As you can see, “by” connects different ideas and tells us more about the action.

“By” as a Adverb

Sometimes, “by” stands alone and doesn’t connect two things. In that case, it works like an adverb, especially when it means “past” or “near”.

Examples and Explanation

• He walked by quickly. 
• She just drove by.

In these cases, “by” gives us extra information about how or where the action happened.

“By” in Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are phrases made of a verb + a small word like “by”. Together, they create a new meaning.

Common Phrasal Verbs with “By”

Here are a few phrasal verbs that include by:

Drop by

• Meaning: to visit for a short time
• Example: I’ll drop by after work.

Stand by

• Meaning: to support or be ready
• Example: She will stand by her decision.

Go by

• Meaning: to pass
• Example: Time goes by so fast.

In these phrases, by is not working alone. It’s part of a team with the verb!

“By” in Passive Voice Sentences

In English, we often use by in passive voice to show who did the action.

Examples in Context

• The song was sung by the children.
• The building was designed by a famous architect.

In these cases, by tells us who performed the action. This is one of the most common uses of by in writing and speaking.

Meaning of “By” in Time Expressions

By is often used when talking about deadlines or time limits. 

• Please arrive by 9 a.m.
• I need the report by Monday.
• Can you return the book by tomorrow?

Here, by means “before” or “not later than.”

By vs. Beside: What’s the Difference?

These two words are similar, but they don’t always mean the same thing.

• By: near, past, or through
• Beside: next to or at the side of 

Examples:

• He sat by the window.
• She sat beside her friend.

In many situations, they can both mean “next to,” but by has more meanings than beside.

FAQs About the Word “By”

What part of speech is “by” in written by her?

Is “by” ever a verb?

Can “by” be used with passive voice?

What does “by” mean in deadlines?

What is the difference between “by” and “beside”?

I hope this article helped you to learn how the word “by” functions in a sentence with examples and explanation.

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