Prepositions of Manner
Prepositions of Manner which is also called Prepositions of Method express how a certain thing happens or is done. In this part, we will discuss them.
What Are Prepositions of Manner?
Prepositions of manner express the way something happens or how a certain thing happened or is done. We can further categorize the prepositions of manner into the following categories:
- Prepositions of Method
- Preposition of Instrument and Device
- Preposition of Agency
Prepositions of Method
Preposition of manner or method shows in which method or manner something is done. The most famous prepositions that are used as prepositions of manner are:
- By
- With
- Like
- As
- In
By
The most common prepositions of manner is 'by'. We use 'by' when we talk about how an action happens. 'By' is used for showing in what way something is done. It is usually followed by a gerund or a noun.
Like
'Like' as a preposition of method show the method with which something is done.
He's acting
Don't look at me
As
'As' plus a noun means 'in the role of'. It shows the method with which a particular thing was performed.
I dressed
He works
With/Without
This preposition indicates our manner during the action. Look at this example:
Die
In
Preposition of Instrument and Device
Preposition of the instrument is used to show with the help of which or what object, something is done. The most important prepositions that are used as the prepositions of instruments are:
- By
- With
- On
By
By is also used to talk about means of transportation, and the passive voice. Look at the examples:
I always go to work
All the books on that shelf were written
With/Without
'With' talks about objects or instruments that are used to achieve something. It also shows how something is done and is often followed by a noun.
Cut this butter
On
'On' is another preposition of manner which expresses the method with which something was done.
Can I work on my essay
Dina came
Preposition of Agency
Prepositions of agency are used to make clear that who or what caused something else to happen. We can use the following prepositions to indicate the causer of an action.
- By
- With
By
The preposition 'by' is usually used to express who did something. Usually, when the doer is a living thing you can use 'by' as a preposition of agency. Check out the examples:
This book is written
The project is done
With
The preposition 'with' indicates a company or union of the doers of action, as a preposition of agency. Let us take a look at the examples.
I cleaned the room
He went shopping
Review
Prepositions of manner are those propositions that refer to how things are done. Actually, they indicate the state of an action. Here are the most commonly used prepositions of manner. Remember it is good to learn them through examples.
1. by | 2. with | 3. like | 4. on | 5. as |
We designed the Christmas tree |
I cannot work |
He smells |
I go to school everyday |
We used our coat |