By vs. From

Attribute	By	From
Definition	Indicates the agent or means of performing an action.	Indicates the source or origin of something.
Usage	Used to specify the author, creator, or performer of an action or work.	Used to indicate the starting point or origin of something.
Active Voice	Commonly used in active voice sentences.	Not commonly used in active voice sentences.
Passive Voice	Commonly used in passive voice sentences.	Not commonly used in passive voice sentences.
Authorship	Associated with the person or entity responsible for creating or producing something.	Associated with the person or entity providing information or material.
Ownership	Indicates possession or ownership of something.	Does not indicate possession or ownership.
Method	Used to describe the way or manner in which an action is performed.	Used to describe the source or means by which something is obtained or acquired.
Attribution	Used to give credit or acknowledge the person or entity responsible for something.	Used to indicate the source or origin of information or material.

Introduction

When it comes to understanding the English language, it is essential to grasp the nuances and differences between various prepositions. Two commonly used prepositions, "by" and "from," often cause confusion due to their overlapping usage. While both prepositions indicate a source or origin, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between "by" and "from" and provide examples to illustrate their usage.

Definition and Usage of "By"

The preposition "by" primarily denotes the agent or means through which an action is performed or the source of an action. It can indicate the person, instrument, or method responsible for accomplishing something. For instance, in the sentence "The book was written by Jane," "by" highlights Jane as the author of the book. Similarly, in the sentence "The painting was created by using acrylics," "by" emphasizes the medium or instrument used to create the artwork.

Furthermore, "by" can also indicate the manner or way in which something is done. For example, in the sentence "She solved the puzzle by thinking logically," "by" suggests that logical thinking was the approach employed to solve the puzzle. Additionally, "by" can express the route or means of transportation. Consider the sentence "I traveled to Paris by train," where "by" indicates the mode of transportation used to reach the destination.

Moreover, "by" is commonly used to indicate the deadline or the latest time at which something should be completed. For instance, if a project is due "by" Friday, it means it should be finished before the end of Friday. Similarly, "by" can indicate a specific time or date when an action is expected to occur. For example, "The package will be delivered by 5 PM" implies that the delivery will take place before 5 PM.

Definition and Usage of "From"

The preposition "from" primarily indicates the point of origin or the starting point of movement. It signifies the source or place where something or someone originates. For example, in the sentence "I received a gift from my friend," "from" highlights the friend as the giver of the gift. Similarly, in the sentence "The letter came from the post office," "from" indicates the location where the letter originated.

Furthermore, "from" can also indicate the separation or removal of something. Consider the sentence "She removed the stain from her shirt," where "from" suggests the action of eliminating the stain from the shirt. Additionally, "from" can express the cause or reason behind an action. For instance, in the sentence "He suffered from a severe cold," "from" indicates the cause of his suffering, which is the cold.

Moreover, "from" is commonly used to indicate the starting point of a period or duration. For example, in the sentence "I will be on vacation from Monday to Friday," "from" specifies the beginning of the vacation period. Similarly, "from" can indicate the source or origin of a quotation or reference. Consider the sentence "The following statement is taken from the book," where "from" highlights the book as the source of the statement.

Examples of "By" and "From"

To further illustrate the differences between "by" and "from," let's explore some examples:

Examples of "By"

• The cake was baked by my sister.
• The report was written by the team leader.
• The problem was solved by using advanced algorithms.
• The song was sung by a famous artist.
• The car was repaired by a skilled mechanic.

Examples of "From"

• I received a letter from my grandmother.
• The package came from the online store.
• The idea originated from a brainstorming session.
• The painting was created from recycled materials.
• The book quote is taken from a renowned author.

Conclusion

While "by" and "from" both indicate a source or origin, they have distinct attributes that differentiate their usage. "By" primarily emphasizes the agent, means, or method through which an action is performed, while "from" highlights the point of origin or the starting point of movement. Understanding the nuances of these prepositions is crucial for effective communication and accurate expression in the English language. By recognizing the specific contexts in which "by" and "from" are used, individuals can enhance their language skills and convey their intended meaning with precision.