By vs. With

• He killed the spider by hitting it. (method)
• He killed the spider with a stone. (tool)

In passive clauses, by introduces the agent – the person or thing that does the action.

• She was knocked down by a car.

Exercise

Test your understanding of by and with with this grammar exercise.

Complete the following sentences using by or with.

1. They killed the snake —————- hitting it.

2. They killed the snake —————– a stone.

3. I got where I am today —————– hard work.

4. We managed to get it out —————— a screwdriver.

5. She was green ——————- envy.

Answers

1. They killed the snake by hitting it.

2. They killed the snake with a stone.

3. I got where I am today by hard work.

4. We managed to get it out with a screwdriver.

5. She was green with envy.