Distinguishing Between By & From

By and From are two words often confused due to their close similarity in meanings and connotations. However, there is a difference between the two words. Grammatically, both ‘by’ and ‘from’ are used as prepositions. The word ‘by’ indicates the instrumental case, while the word ‘from’ indicates the ablative case. This is the main difference between the two words.

The word ‘by’ indicates the instrument of an action, such as in the sentences:

1. It is told by him.
2. The book was sold by the shop-keeper.

In these sentences, the word ‘by’ indicates the person involved in the action of ‘speaking’ and the ‘shop-keeper’ who performed the action of ‘selling the book’, respectively.

On the other hand, the word ‘from’ indicates the ‘point from where the movement started’, as in the sentences:

1. Fruits fell from the trees.
2. He came from the village in the morning.

In these sentences, the word ‘from’ indicates the ‘point from where the fruits fell’ (the trees) and ‘the point from where the person came’ (the village), respectively.

Key Takeaways

• The word ‘by’ indicates the instrument of an action, while the word ‘from’ indicates the point from where the movement started.
• Both ‘by’ and ‘from’ are used as prepositions in sentences.
• Both words can also be used in questions, such as ‘by whom?’ and ‘where do you come from?’.