used to indicate the tool, instrument, or method through which an action is performed
Prepositions - Prepositions of Instrument and Agency
These prepositions highlight the person who performed an action or the tools someone used to achieve a goal.
review
flashcard
spelling
quiz
at
[preposition]
Ex:
They
held
him
against
his
will
at
gunpoint
.
by
[preposition]
used to indicate the person or entity performing an action
Ex:
The
car
was
repaired
by
a
skilled
mechanic
.
on
[preposition]
used to indicate the instrument used to perform an action
Ex:
I
track
my
expenses
on
my
laptop
.
through
[preposition]
used to indicate the method or channel by which something is done
Ex:
The
funds
were
raised
through
donations
.
with
[preposition]
used to indicate the means or method employed to accomplish a particular action or goal
Ex:
They
cut
the
cake
with
a
sharp
knife
.
over
[preposition]
through the use of a communication or transmission channel
Ex:
She
taught
the
class
over
Zoom
.
through the use of
[preposition]
utilizing a particular method, tool, or technique
Ex:
She
achieved
her
goals
through the use of
effective
time
management
techniques
.
via
[preposition]
by means of a particular person, system, etc.
Ex:
Reports
are
coming in
via
satellite
.
at the hands of
[preposition]
as a result of actions or treatment carried out by a particular person or group
Ex:
Many
innocent
civilians
lost
their
lives
at the hands of
the
dictator
.