Using prepositions – ‘With’, ‘Over’ & ‘By’

With –

1. Used to indicate being together.

• I ordered a sandwich with a drink.
• He was with his friends last nigh.

2. Used to indicate having something.

• Were you the one talking with an accent?
• I met a guy with green eyes.

3. Used to indicate using something.

• I wrote a letter with a pen you gave me.
• This is the soup I made with rice and barley.

4. Used to indicate feelings.

• I walked on the stage with confidence.
• I am emailing you with my sincere apologies.

Over –

1. To indicate movement.

• Come over to my house for dinner sometime.
• They sent over a gift for this birthday.

2. To indicate downward movement.

• The big tree fell over a car.
• Can you bend over and pick the keys?

3. To indicate more than expected.

• The phone rang for over a minute.
• The money offered was over our expectation.

4. To indicate a period of time.

• I worked there over 5 years.
• I am stressed about this issue for over a month.

By –

1. To indicate closeness.

• Can I sit by you?
• The post office is by the bank.

2. To indicate a passive voice sentence.

• The microwave was fixed by the mechanic.
• The flowers were delivered by the florist.

3. To indicate an action with a purpose.

• You can pass the exam by studying hard.
• I expressed my feelings by writing her a letter.

4. To indicate a method.

• Please send the package by Air-Mail.
• I came here by car.

Enjoy the lesson!