LoginPrepositions of Manner
In this lesson, master prepositions of manner to describe how actions are performed. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Prepositions of Manner?
Prepositions of manner show the way something happened or was done. We usually use prepositions of manner when we answer questions starting with "How".
Prepositions of Manner: Types
We can further categorize the prepositions of manner into the following categories:
Prepositions of Method
Prepositions of Instrument and Device
Preposition of Agency
Prepositions of Similarity
Prepositions of Method
Prepositions of method show in which method or manner something is done. The most commonly used prepositions of method are as follows:
In
We use 'in' when we talk about how an action happens. Take a look at the examples:
Jason wrote his papers in French.
He paints in the Impressionist style.
The musician composed the piece in E minor.
In a ... way/manner
We can use the phrase 'In a ...way/manner' to describe the way actions are performed. For example:
My mom called my school and convinced them in a very friendly way.
Mr. Johnson spoke to me in an exteremly polite manner.
With
'With' as a preposition of method indicates how something is done. For example:
The mother held the baby with care.
They fought with courage.
Prepositions of Instrument and Device
A preposition of instrument is used to indicate the tool or object used to perform an action. It describes the means or instrument by which something is done. The most commonly used prepositions of instrument are:
By
'By' is used to denote a means of transportation or other instrument used to fulfill a purpose. For example:
I always go to work by car.
denoting a means of transportation.
I sent the document by email.
denoting an object
With
This preposition indicates the instrument or tool used to perform the action. For example:
He opened the bottle with a bottle opener.
She fixed the table with a nail.
On
'On' is another preposition of manner which expresses the method or instrument used to perform an action. For example:
She checked the whole town on foot.
Can I work on my essay on your laptop?
Via
'Via' can be used as a preposition of agency to indicate the means by which an action is performed or the source through which something is achieved. Let's see some examples of how can we use via:
I sent him the documents via mail.
She broke up with him via text message.
Preposition of Agency
Prepositions of agency are used to indicate the agent or entity responsible for an action or event. They provide information about the cause or source of an action. The most common preposition of agency in English is by.
By
'By' is commonly used as a preposition of agency in English. It is used to introduce the agent or entity responsible for an action or event, especially in the passive voice. Let's see some examples of the preposition 'by':
The book was written by Shakespeare.
The neighborhood was ruined by the sewage system.
Prepositions of Similarity
We use the following prepositions to express similarity:
As
'As' is used to show similarity between two people or things in appearance or action. Take a look at the examples:
She danced with elegance, graceful as a swan.
I dressed as Batman for Halloween.
Like
The preposition 'like' is usually used to express the similarity between two or more things. Check out the examples:
He sings like an angel.
They are like a band from the 60s.
Review
Prepositions of manner show how something is done. They can be categorized into four groups:
Prepositions of Method: in, with
Prepositions of Instrument and Device: by, with, on, via
Preposition of Agency: by
Prepositions of Similarity: as, like
Quiz:
Which of the following sentences uses a preposition of instrument?
She painted the landscape in bright colors.
He opened the can with a knife.
The speech was delivered by the president.
They acted like professionals.
Which of the following shows a preposition of similarity?
The dog barked at the stranger.
He ran with incredible speed.
She sings like a professional opera singer.
I arrived by taxi.
Match each sentence to the correct category of preposition of manner used in it.
Complete each sentence using the correct preposition from parentheses.
Jason wrote his papers
French. (with/by/in)
The mother held the baby
care. (with/as/via)
I always go to work
car. (on/like/by)
I sent him the documents
mail. (on/via/in)
She danced with elegance, graceful
a swan. (by/as/with)
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
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