“Buy” vs “By”: When to Use Each

Hey there, language lovers! Are you tired of confusing “buy” and “by”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words may seem similar, but they have distinct meanings and uses.

In this post, you can find out the meaning of the words “buy” and “by” and when to use each. Let’s dive in!

What’s the deal with “Buy”?

“Buy” is a verb that means to obtain something in exchange for money or something else of value. For example, you might buy a shirt, a book, or a movie ticket.

What is the definition of “Buy”?

The definition of “buy” is to acquire something in exchange for money or another valuable item.

What is the grammatical function of “Buy”?

“Buy” is a verb, which means it describes an action.

How is “Buy” used in a sentence?

In a sentence, “buy” is typically followed by an object, which is the item being purchased. For example:

Examples of “Buy” in use

• I need to buy a new dress for the party.
• She plans to buy a house next year.
• The company bought a new software to improve their workflow.

What about “By”?

“By” is a preposition that is used to indicate a relationship between two things. For example, you might say that a book was written by an author, or that a cake was made by a baker.

What is the definition of “By”?

The definition of “by” is a preposition that shows the relationship between two things or people.

What is the grammatical function of “By”?

“By” is a preposition, which means it’s used to show the relationship between two elements in a sentence.

How is “By” used in a sentence?

In a sentence, “by” typically comes before a noun or pronoun that identifies the person or thing responsible for an action. For example:

Examples of “By” in use

• The cake was made by my grandmother.
• The book was written by Napoleon Hill.
• The group was led by brilliant researchers.

The Final Verdict: When to use “Buy” vs “By”?

Now that we’ve covered both words, let’s take a quick quiz to test your knowledge. Fill out the form with the correct word:

1. I need to ________ a new dress for the party. (buy)
2. The book was written ________ J.K. Rowling. (by)
3. The company ________ a new software to improve their workflow. (bought)
4. The cake was made ________ my grandmother. (by)
5. I’m going to ________ a new car next month. (buy)
6. The painting was created ________ Pablo Picasso. (by)
7. I’m planning to ________ a house by the end of the year. (buy)
8. The music was composed ________ Beethoven. (by)
9. She wants to ________ a new phone. (buy)
10. The sculpture was made ________ Michelangelo. (by)

Key Answers:

1. buy
2. by
3. bought
4. by
5. buy
6. by
7. buy
8. by
9. buy
10. by

That’s it!

By now, you should have a solid understanding of the difference between “buy” and “by”. Remember, “buy” is a verb that means to obtain something in exchange for money or something else of value, while “by” is a preposition that shows the relationship between two things.

Recommended Reads

Here are recommended links for further reading on the difference between “buy” and “by”:

1. Merriam-Webster’s Definition of “Buy” – This page provides a comprehensive definition of the verb “buy,” including examples of how it’s used in a sentence.
2. Merriam-Webster’s Definition of “By” – This page provides a comprehensive definition of the preposition “by,” including examples of how it’s used in a sentence.
3. The Differences Between “Buy” and “By” on Grammarly – This article provides a clear explanation of the difference between “buy” and “by,” including examples and a quiz to test your understanding.