Difference between by and buy
Last Updated :
08 Sep, 2023
In English language, the words “buy” and “by” have similar pronunciation but both have different meanings and usages. “Buy” is a verb used to indicate the act of purchasing or acquiring while “by” is a preposition used to indicate position or time.
Definition of Buy
- It is a verb which is used to acquire or obtain something in exchange for payment or other consideration.
- It refers to the act of making a purchase or acquiring ownership of something through a transaction.
Usage of buy
- It is used when someone purchases a good or service in order to have it in their possession.
- It involves an exchange of money for the desired object.
- It is used in several tenses such as buy, bought, and buying, to denote distinct time frames and actions related to purchasing.
Examples of buy
- Want to buy a land.
- Need to buy a clothing wear
- He planned to buy a Hard disk
- Buy milk.
- Buy a ticket.
- She buys groceries.
- Want to buy a gift.
- Plan to buy a aeroplane.
- He wants to buy a car.
- Need to buy groceries.
- She likes to buy books.
- Plan to buy a new phone
Definition of by
- Versatile word which can function as a preposition, adverb, or part of a compound word.
- Has multiple meanings and can indicate a method or manner of doing something.
Usage of by
- Used to indicate the way or method in which an action is performed or something is achieved.
- Express agency, stating the person or thing responsible for an action.
- Indicate proximity, indicating something is near or beside another thing.
- In the context of time, “by” can denote a deadline or the latest acceptable time for completion.
Examples of by
- Stand by me.
- Send it by email.
- He traveled by train.
- He passed by the park.
- Let’s go by helicopter.
- Please stand by
- Send it by email.
- Do it by yourself.
- I’ll be there by 5 PM.
- We traveled by train.
Differences between buy and by
Verb
|
Preposition
|
Indicates acquisition in exchange for payment
|
Indicates means, method, position, or time
|
Acquiring goods or services
|
Introducing additional information or context
|
Functions as a verb
|
Functions as a preposition
|
No distinct plural form
|
Does not change in plural or singular forms
|
Purchase, acquire, obtain
|
No direct synonyms
|
Sell
|
No specific antonym
|
Specific to purchasing
|
Broad range of meanings and contexts
|
Subject purchases an object
|
Introduces additional information
|
Present, past, future
|
No verb tense variations
|
Commercial, consumer, transactional contexts
|
Abstract meanings in various contexts
|
Standalone word in a sentence
|
Followed by additional information or complements
|
Specific to transactional contexts
|
Versatile across different contexts
|
Main verb in a sentence
|
Additional information or context
|
Limited to commercial contexts
|
Versatile usage in different contexts
|
Conclusion:
In conclusion, “buy” and “by” are distinct words with different meanings and functions. “Buy” is a verb used to indicate the act of purchasing or acquiring, while “by” is a preposition used to indicate means, method, position, or time.
FAQ’S on Buy and By
1. Difference between Buy and By?
Ans: “Buy” is a verb that refers to the act of obtaining or acquiring something in exchange for money or other forms of payment. “By” is a versatile preposition that can have several meanings depending on the context.
2. Usage of by?
Ans:
- Used to indicate the way or method in which an action is performed or something is achieved.
- Express agency, stating the person or thing responsible for an action.
- Indicate proximity, indicating something is near or beside another thing.
3. Give 3 to 4 examples of Buy?
Ans:
- Buy milk.
- Can I buy that shirt?
- He wants to buy a car.
- I need to buy groceries.
- She likes to buy books.
4. Can “by” indicate time?
Ans: Yes, “by” can indicate a time frame, such as a deadline or the latest acceptable time for completion.
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