Prepositions of Manner: A Complete Guide

Prepositions of manner are words that describe how actions are performed or how something is done. These prepositions help us explain the way or the manner in which something happens. They are essential in making sentences more descriptive and providing clarity in communication.

What Are Prepositions of Manner?

Prepositions of manner describe how an action is performed or how something is done. These prepositions are usually used with verbs to provide further detail about the action. Prepositions of manner can give information about the style, way, or method of the action.

Some common prepositions of manner include:

• By

• With

• Like

• As

Common Prepositions of Manner with Examples

1. By

• Meaning: Used to indicate the method or means by which something is done.

• Example: She traveled by car.

• Example: He sent the message by email.

2. With

• Meaning: Used to describe the instrument or tool used to perform an action.

• Example: She cut the paper with scissors.

• Example: He wrote the letter with a pen.

3. Like

• Meaning: Used to compare the manner of doing something with another action or person.

• Example: He sings like a professional.

• Example: She dances like a ballerina.

4. As

• Meaning: Used to describe a role, position, or function in the manner of something or someone.

• Example: He works as a teacher.

• Example: She acted as a guide during the tour.

Rules for Using Prepositions of Manner

1. Use "by" to indicate the means or method of doing something.

   • Correct: I prefer to travel by train.

   • Incorrect: I prefer to travel on train.

2. Use "with" to describe the tool or instrument used in an action.

   • Correct: She painted the picture with a brush.

   • Incorrect: She painted the picture by a brush.

3. Use "like" to compare two actions or things.

   • Correct: He runs like a cheetah.

   • Incorrect: He runs as a cheetah.

4. Use "as" to describe the role, position, or capacity of a person or thing.

   • Correct: He acted as the leader during the meeting.

   • Incorrect: He acted like the leader during the meeting.

Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Manner (With Corrections and Explanations)

Mistake 1: Using "on" instead of "by"

• Incorrect: She travels on bus every day.

• Correct: She travels by bus every day.

• Explanation: "By" is used to indicate the method or means of transportation, while "on" is not appropriate in this context.

Mistake 2: Using "by" instead of "with"

• Incorrect: He fixed the car by a wrench.

• Correct: He fixed the car with a wrench.

• Explanation: "With" is used when referring to tools or instruments, while "by" is not suitable here.

Mistake 3: Using "as" instead of "like"

• Incorrect: She sings as a professional.

• Correct: She sings like a professional.

• Explanation: "Like" is used to compare actions or things, while "as" is used for roles or positions.

Mistake 4: Using "like" instead of "as" for roles or positions

• Incorrect: He worked like a teacher.

• Correct: He worked as a teacher.

• Explanation: "As" is used to describe someone's position or role, while "like" is for comparisons.

4 Exercises on Prepositions of Manner

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition

1. She sings ______ a professional.

2. They arrived ______ car.

3. He solved the problem ______ a calculator.

4. We traveled ______ airplane.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct preposition

1. He worked (by/with/as) a doctor for many years.

2. The children played (with/like/as) their friends.

3. She finished the task (with/by/as) a computer.

4. He walked (like/as/with) a model.

Exercise 3: Correct the mistakes

1. He wrote the letter by a pen. → Correct it: __________

2. She danced like a professional dancer. → Correct it: __________

3. They arrived as plane. → Correct it: __________

4. He worked like a teacher for many years. → Correct it: __________

Exercise 4: Write sentences using these prepositions of manner

• By

• With

• Like

• As