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Confused about 'with' vs. 'by' when describing actions—writing a business email

Asked byMaya ModeratorPosted Mar 26, 2026 2:11 AM3 answers27 upvotesCanonical URL

I'm writing a business email to explain how a report was prepared, and I'm getting confused about when I should use 'with' and when I should use 'by.' For example, should I say, "The report was completed with the help of my colleague," or "The report was completed by the help of my colleague"?

Similarly, I'm not sure if I should write, "The data was analyzed by a computer program," or "The data was analyzed with a computer program." Could someone explain which preposition is correct in these situations and why? Thanks!

Context:
Formal business English, writing for international colleagues.

#prepositions-place#word-choice

What to Know

Question You Likely Still HaveDirect AnswerHow To Apply It
What is the core rule for confused describing actions writing?Example: "The analysis was completed with specialized software." Common Mistake Correction: Incorrect: "The report was completed by the help of my colleague." Corrected: "The repo…Example: "The presentation was prepared by Sarah." Use 'with' + instrument/helper: shows what was used to perform the action or who helped, not the main doer.
How do I apply confused describing actions writing in a sentence like mine?Example: "The presentation was prepared by Sarah." Use 'with' + instrument/helper: shows what was used to perform the action or who helped, not the main doer.Explanation: In business English, 'by' is used to indicate the agent—the person or thing doing the action.
What mistakes should I avoid with confused describing actions writing?'With' is used to describe the tool, means, or assistance used to do the action, not the doer itself.Because your colleague offered help, but wasn't the main doer of the action.

3 Answers

ByPunctuation PaulMar 26, 2026 2:31 AM9 upvotesAccepted answer

Explanation:
In business English, 'by' is used to indicate the agent—the person or thing doing the action. 'With' is used to describe the tool, means, or assistance used to do the action, not the doer itself.

Patterns:

  • Use 'by' + agent: shows who/what did the action.
    • Example: "The presentation was prepared by Sarah."
  • Use 'with' + instrument/helper: shows what was used to perform the action or who helped, not the main doer.
    • Example: "The analysis was completed with specialized software."

Common Mistake Correction:

  • Incorrect: "The report was completed by the help of my colleague."
  • Corrected: "The report was completed with the help of my colleague."
  • Why? Because your colleague offered help, but wasn't the main doer of the action.

Practice:
Try writing two versions of this sentence:

  1. One using 'by' to describe the main person who performed the action.
  2. Another using 'with' to describe a supporting tool or assistance.

Self-Check: After writing, ask yourself: Is this a person (or thing) who DID the action? Use 'by.' Is it a tool, resource, or supporting help? Use 'with.'

BySam SentenceMar 26, 2026 2:51 AM9 upvotes

Explanation:
It is important to choose between 'by' and 'with' based on whether you’re focusing on the doer or on an aid/tool. Let’s compare two nearly identical sentences to see the difference.

  • "The proposal was drafted by my manager." ('by' = who did it)
  • "The proposal was drafted with my manager's feedback." ('with' = what was used/assisted)

Similarly:

  • "The survey was completed by our team." ('by' = agent/doer)
  • "The survey was completed with an online form." ('with' = tool/instrument)

Correction Tip:

  • Not: "The study was conducted by the support of our partner."
  • Yes: "The study was conducted with the support of our partner."

Practice:
Create a sentence about a task you completed, then rewrite it once using 'by' to identify the agent and once using 'with' to add an instrument or aid. Compare the results!

ByNora GrammarMar 26, 2026 3:11 AM9 upvotes

Explanation:
Think about the function of 'by' and 'with' in sentences about processes. 'By' generally answers the question: Who did it? 'With' answers: What helped or was used to do it?

Compare:

  • Device focus: "The content was edited with a grammar-checking tool." ('with' = tool)
  • Person as agent: "The content was edited by the editor." ('by' = main person)

Reflection Questions:

  • Is the thing after the preposition doing the main action? Use 'by.'
  • Is it giving help or being used? Use 'with.'

Quick Practice:
Take a recent business activity and write two versions:

  1. Focus on who did it (by whom?)
  2. Focus on what helped or was used (with what?)
    Check: Are the prepositions correctly matched to the action or tool/helper?

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