Prepositions of Manner

Express how actions are performed or the way something is done

What are Prepositions of Manner?

Prepositions of manner describe HOW something is done, the WAY an action is performed, or the METHOD used to accomplish something. They answer the question "How?" or "In what way?"

The most common are: by (method), with (using a tool), like (similarity), and in (style/manner).

BY (Method, Means, Agent)

1. By + -ing (Method of Doing Something)

I learn English by watching movies. (method)
She lost weight by exercising regularly.
He fixed it by reading the manual.
We can save money by cooking at home.
You improve by practicing every day.
They succeeded by working hard.

2. By + Transport (Means of Travel)

I go to work by bus. (means of transport)
She travels by train.
They came by car.
We flew by plane.
He commutes by bike.

Exception: on foot (NOT "by foot"):

I walk to school on foot.

3. By + Agent (Who Did It - Passive Voice)

The book was written by Shakespeare. (agent)
This painting was created by Picasso.
The house was built by my grandfather.
The song was sung by Adele.

4. By + Noun (Method/Means)

Pay by credit card. (payment method)
Send it by email.
Contact us by phone.
I learned it by heart. (memorized)
We did it by mistake. (accidentally)

WITH (Using a Tool or Instrument)

Using tools, instruments, or body parts:

I eat with a fork. (tool)
She wrote it with a pen.
He cut the paper with scissors.
They built it with their hands. (body part)
I opened it with a key.
She painted it with a brush.

Accompanied by (manner of doing):

She spoke with confidence. (manner)
He answered with a smile.
They worked with enthusiasm.
She listened with patience.

WITHOUT (Absence of Something)

Lacking or not using something:

He left without saying goodbye. (absence of action)
She solved it without help.
They worked without a break.
I can't live without music.
He did it without thinking.

IN (Style or Manner)

In + manner/style:

She spoke in a quiet voice. (manner)
Write your answer in pencil. (using pencil)
He said it in English. (language)
They dressed in black. (style)
She answered in detail.
He explained it in simple terms.

In + emotional state:

She shouted in anger.
He cried in pain.
They jumped in excitement.
She left in a hurry.

ON (Manner with Media/Communication)

On + device/medium:

I heard it on the radio. (medium)
She saw it on TV.
We met on Zoom.
It's available on Netflix.
I read it on the internet.

LIKE (Similarity, Comparison)

Comparing how something is done:

She sings like a professional. (comparison)
He runs like the wind. (simile)
It tastes like chicken.
They work like a team.
She dances like a ballerina.
Stop acting like a child!

AS (Role or Function)

In the role/capacity of:

He works as a teacher. (role)
She performed as the lead singer.
Use it as a reference.
I'm speaking as your friend.
It can serve as an example.

Common Mistakes

❌ I go to work with bus. → ✅ I go to work by bus. (transport)
❌ She cut it by scissors. → ✅ She cut it with scissors. (tool)
❌ I walk by foot. → ✅ I walk on foot. (exception)
❌ He wrote it by pen. → ✅ He wrote it with a pen. (instrument)
❌ She sings as a professional. → ✅ She sings like a professional. (comparison, not role)
❌ I heard it in the radio. → ✅ I heard it on the radio.
❌ Written from Shakespeare. → ✅ Written by Shakespeare. (agent)

Practice Tips

🚌 By vs. With: BY = method/transport ("by bus," "by working"). WITH = tool/instrument ("with a pen," "with scissors").
🚶 On foot exception: We say "on foot," NOT "by foot." All other transport: by bus, by car, by train, by plane.
🎭 Like vs. As: LIKE = comparison/similarity ("sings like a pro"). AS = role/function ("works as a teacher").
✍️ By + -ing: Very common pattern for explaining method: "I learn by reading," "She improves by practicing."
📺 Media prepositions: ON the radio, ON TV, ON the internet, IN the newspaper (paper = in, electronic = on).