Top Highlights

• used to show the person or thing that does something: The motorcycle was driven by a tiny bald man. We were amazed by what she told us. I'm reading some short stories (written) by Chekhov. The book was translated by a well-known author. I felt frightened by the anger in his voice.
• used to show how something is done: They travelled across Europe by train/car. She did the decorating by herself (= alone, without help from anyone). We went in by (= through) the front door. Do you want to be paid in cash or by cheque? He learned English by listening to the radio. Suddenly, she grabbed him by the arm (= took hold of this part of h...
• not later than; at or before: She had promised to be back by five o'clock. The application must be in by the 31st to be accepted. By the time I got to the station the train had already gone.
• used to show measurements or amounts: Our office floor space measured twelve metres by ten (= was twelve metres in one direction and ten in the other). Their wages were increased by 15 percent. Freelance workers are paid by the hour (= for every hour they work). These phones have sold by the thousand (= several thousand have been sold).
• minute by minute/hour by hour/day by day, etc. (also by the minute/hour/day, etc.) used to say that something increases or changes with every minute, hour, day, etc. that passes: The death toll from the hurricane was climbing minute by minute.

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