With

prepositions of manner with

'With' is a commonly used preposition. We use it in many different contexts. In this lesson, we will discover all about it.

How to Use the Preposition "With" in the English Grammar

With is one of the most common prepositions in English that can be used in different contexts. It can also be an adverb in informal contexts. To learn them, take a look:

1. Functions of 'With' as a Preposition

'With' indicates company;
'With' shows the instrument;
'With' is used to describe someone or something;
'With' indicates the content or covering;
'With' is used to indicate the direction;
'With' is used to show the contrast between two things;
'With' shows something is removed or separated;
'With' shows something in relation to someone or something else;
'With' shows the reason.

Use

With is used to show accompanying, contents, contrast, separation, etc. Take a look:

1.1 'With' Indicates Company

With is used to show something or someone is accompanied by something or someone else. Like:

I went to the shopping mall with him.

He lived with his parents.

Books with pencils

Tip

With can be used in the closing of letters. For example:

With best wishes

With love

1.2 'With' Shows the Instrument

With is used to show the instrument for doing something. Look:

I cut it with a knife.

1.3 'With' Is Used for Description

With is used to show someone wears or carries something. For example:

A woman with blond hair

A girl with glasses

1.4 'With' Indicates Content

With is used to show something covers or contains something else. Look:

A fabric with yellow flowers

Fill the glass with water.

The Earth surface is covered with water and rocks.

1.5 'With' Indicates the Direction

With means 'in the same direction.' For example:

I ran with the wind.

The boat was floating with the current.

1.6 'With' Indicates Contrast

With is used to express a contrast between two things and has a similar meaning to 'despite.' For example:

With all her mistakes, I still love her.

With her anger, I did what I wanted to do.

1.7 'With' Indicates Separation/Removal

With is used with some verbs to show separation or removal. For example:

I want to break up with you.

I have to part with my possessions.

She split up with her boyfriend.

1.8 'With' Shows Relation

With can be used to show something is in relation to something or someone else. Look:

How are things with you?

The problem with this book is that it is too expensive.

1.9 'With' Shows the Reason

With is used to show the reason or cause of something. Look:

She is trembling with fear.

'Fear' is the reason for 'trembling.'

With all those good friend, he made huge progress.

Position in a Sentence

With as a preposition is used before nouns or pronouns. Note that nouns can take determiners or adjectives. For example:

He was in bed with flu.

I'll be with you.

2. 'With' as an Adverb

Use

With can be an adverb in informal contexts and add an extra information to the verb. Look:

We are going to the restaurant, are you coming with?

'With' completes the meaning of 'come.'

Position in a Sentence

With as an adverb comes after the verb to add more information to it. Look:

We are going to the restaurant, are you coming with?

I am using it with.

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