Functional Prepositions
By, with, for, as, like — how and why. Learn the rules, then practise.
Show rules
By, with, without
| Word | Use for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| by | how something is done — method, transport, communication | by car, by email, by hand |
| with | the tool or instrument, or who you are with | cut it with a knife, go with friends |
| without | the absence of something | without my glasses, without help |
✅ We travelled by boat.
✅ He cut the bread with a knife.
✅ I can't read this without my glasses.
Watch out: by is also the doer in passive sentences — This book was written by a famous author.
For
- for + purpose or reason: a knife for cutting bread, thank you for your help
- for + the person who receives something: a present for you
As vs Like
The most common confusion in this topic.
| as | the real role or function — it really is that |
| like | similar to — it only resembles that |
✅ She works as a nurse. (she really is a nurse)
✅ He sings like a professional. (he is not one — just similar)
✅ I used my phone as a torch. (it did the job of a torch)
✅ It tastes like chicken. (similar taste)
Test: if it really is that role → as. If it only resembles it → like.
Of and About
- of — material or composition, and relationship: made of gold, a photo of my family
- made of (material still visible: a table made of wood) vs made from (material changed: cheese made from milk)
- about — the topic of something: a book about history, talk about the weather
Common mistakes
| ❌ | ✅ |
|---|---|
| I go to work with bus. | I go to work by bus. |
| He works like a teacher. (if he really is one) | He works as a teacher. |
| Cut the cake by a knife. | Cut the cake with a knife. |
| It's a film of dinosaurs. | It's a film about dinosaurs. |
| Thank you of your help. | Thank you for your help. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'as' and 'like'?
Use 'as' for a real role or function — the thing really is that: 'She works as a nurse' (she really is a nurse). Use 'like' for resemblance — the thing only looks or sounds similar: 'He sings like a professional' (he is not one). The test: if it really is that thing, use 'as'; if it only resembles it, use 'like'.
When do you use 'by' and when 'with'?
Use 'by' for the method or means — by car, by email, by hand — and for the doer in passive sentences ('written by an author'). Use 'with' for the specific tool or instrument you use: 'cut it with a knife', 'broken with a stone'. Method = by; instrument = with.
Is it 'made of' or 'made from'?
Use 'made of' when the original material is still visible in the finished object — 'a table made of wood', 'a ring made of gold'. Use 'made from' when the material has been completely changed and you can no longer see it — 'cheese made from milk', 'paper made from wood'.
When do you use 'for' with prepositions?
Use 'for' to express purpose ('a knife for cutting bread', 'a room for meetings') and to show the person who receives or benefits from something ('a present for you'). 'Thank you for' is a fixed expression — for the thing you are grateful for.