The word 'with' acts as a connector to show that things or people are linked, present together, or used in combination.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Used to show accompaniment or being together.
- Used to describe features, tools, or possession.
- Essential for connecting nouns and pronouns.
Overview
'With' is one of the most versatile and frequently used prepositions in the English language. At its core, it expresses the concept of association, companionship, or the possession of a feature or attribute. It bridges the gap between a subject and an object, showing how they interact or exist together.
Usage Patterns
'With' typically precedes a noun or a pronoun. It can function to describe accompaniment (e.g., 'I am going with my friend'), possession (e.g., 'The girl with the blue eyes'), or the use of an instrument (e.g., 'He cut the cake with a knife'). It is also used to describe feelings or reactions, such as 'I am happy with the results.'
Common Contexts
In everyday conversation, 'with' is essential for describing physical appearance, social plans, and methods. In professional settings, it is used to describe collaboration or attachment, such as 'I am sending the report with the attached documents.' It is also common in idioms and phrasal verbs, which can change its meaning slightly depending on the verb it follows.
Similar Words Comparison: While 'by' can sometimes indicate a method, 'with' focuses on the tool or companion involved. 'Among' implies being part of a group, whereas 'with' focuses on the connection to that group. Understanding these nuances helps in selecting the right preposition for the intended meaning.
Exemples
I am going to the movies with my brother.
everydayVoy al cine con mi hermano.
Please provide the report with the signature.
formalPor favor, proporcione el informe con la firma.
I'm totally with you on that idea.
informalEstoy totalmente de acuerdo con esa idea.
The experiment was conducted with precision.
academicEl experimento se realizó con precisión.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
with regard to
con respecto a
with all due respect
con todo respeto
come with
venir con
Souvent confondu avec
'By' is often used to show the agent of an action or a method of transport, whereas 'with' is for tools or accompaniment.
'Among' refers to being in the middle of a group, while 'with' refers to being in the company of someone.
Modèles grammaticaux
How to Use It
Notes d'usage
The word 'with' is a highly flexible preposition used in neutral, formal, and informal registers. It rarely changes form and is consistent across all English dialects. It is essential to ensure that the noun following 'with' logically fits the context of companionship or possession.
Erreurs courantes
A common mistake is using 'with' when 'by' is required, especially in passive voice sentences like 'The book was written by (not with) the author.' Another error is omitting it when it is necessary for clarity, such as saying 'I am angry him' instead of 'I am angry with him.' Always check if you are describing a tool or a person to ensure the preposition is appropriate.
Tips
Use with for tools and instruments
Whenever you describe how an action is performed using an object, use 'with'. For example, 'She painted the wall with a brush'.
Avoid confusing with and by
Use 'with' for physical objects or tools, and 'by' for the agent performing an action in passive voice. For example, 'The door was opened by the wind with a heavy key'.
Idiomatic usage in social settings
In English, 'Are you with us?' is a common way to ask if someone is paying attention or agrees with the group. It reflects the cultural value of group alignment.
Origine du mot
The word 'with' originates from Old English 'wið', which originally meant 'against' or 'toward'. Over time, its meaning shifted to indicate proximity and accompaniment.
Contexte culturel
In English-speaking cultures, 'with' is often used to express social belonging. Phrases like 'Are you with us?' foster a sense of community and shared understanding.
Astuce mémo
Think of 'with' as a 'plus' sign connecting two things together. If you can replace it with 'plus' or 'and', you are likely using it correctly.
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it is very common. You can say 'the man with the beard' or 'the woman with the red bag' to identify someone by their features or possessions.
Yes, it indicates the instrument used to perform an action. For example, 'I wrote the letter with a pen' shows the tool used for writing.
It is neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a fundamental word that appears in almost all types of English communication.
Not necessarily. It can also imply agreement or support, as in 'I am with you on this decision,' which means you agree with their perspective.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
She walked to the park ___ her dog.
The word 'with' indicates companionship between the subject and the dog.
Which sentence uses 'with' correctly to show a tool?
Select the correct sentence.
A spoon is an instrument, so 'with' is the correct preposition.
Order the words to make a logical sentence.
the / with / boy / glasses / is / tall
This structure correctly uses 'with' to describe the boy's feature.
🎉 Score : /3
Summary
The word 'with' acts as a connector to show that things or people are linked, present together, or used in combination.
- Used to show accompaniment or being together.
- Used to describe features, tools, or possession.
- Essential for connecting nouns and pronouns.
Use with for tools and instruments
Whenever you describe how an action is performed using an object, use 'with'. For example, 'She painted the wall with a brush'.
Avoid confusing with and by
Use 'with' for physical objects or tools, and 'by' for the agent performing an action in passive voice. For example, 'The door was opened by the wind with a heavy key'.
Idiomatic usage in social settings
In English, 'Are you with us?' is a common way to ask if someone is paying attention or agrees with the group. It reflects the cultural value of group alignment.
Exemples
4 sur 4I am going to the movies with my brother.
Voy al cine con mi hermano.
Please provide the report with the signature.
Por favor, proporcione el informe con la firma.
I'm totally with you on that idea.
Estoy totalmente de acuerdo con esa idea.
The experiment was conducted with precision.
El experimento se realizó con precisión.
Related Content
Apprendre en contexte
Expressions liées
Vocabulaire associé
Plus de mots sur general
about
A1'About' signifie 'à propos de' quand on parle d'un sujet, ou 'environ' pour une quantité.
above
A2Indique une position plus haute que quelque chose d'autre, juste au-dessus.
accident
A2Un événement imprévu qui cause du tort ou des blessures.
action
A2C'est le fait de faire quelque chose pour atteindre un but.
after
A2'After' veut dire 'après', quelque chose qui arrive plus tard dans le temps ou dans l'espace.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2'Again' veut dire 'encore', que quelque chose se produit une deuxième fois ou plus.
aged
B1Cela précise l'âge d'une personne ou d'un objet.
alive
A2Quelque chose qui est en vie, qui n'est pas mort.
all
A2'All' désigne la totalité de quelque chose, chaque élément sans exception.
