Meaning of By
By has the meaning ‘close to’ or ‘ at the side of’. It also means ‘not later than’.
Usage of By
- It is used to connect action that has happened or might happen before the second action.
- By is used in the passive voice to say who did the action. It is also used to denote how a person communicates or travels by train, car, etc.
- By is used as a preposition as well as an adverb with multiple meanings. Some of the meanings are:
Time
For example, Rama, be here by 11 am.
Place
For example, there we have a beautiful lake by the side of the cottage.
Manner of action
For example, Please turn off the door by pulling the lock.
Agent of action
For example, The thieves were caught by the police.
Examples of By
- We need to be at the station by 11 am.
- There is a beautiful cottage by the river.
- You can leave this post by giving a 7-day prior notice.
- The final notice was given by the Principal.
Difference Between By and Beside
Difference Between By and Beside: By is used as a preposition and adverb with various uses and meanings while Beside is used only as a preposition to indicate a place of action. By shows, the time, place, or an active agent but beside shows only the place.
Beside Vs By