italki - Correct? [Surf the Net by computer.] 1. Surf the Net "on" a computer. 2. Surf the Net "with" a compu

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liveoutmyway

Correct? [Surf the Net by computer.] 1. Surf the Net "on" a computer. 2. Surf the Net "with" a computer. 3. Surf the Net "by" computer. - a. I found and thought the sentences 1&2 above both are correct. b. However, I never found an example of the usage in sentence 3 A close one is like sentence 4.[Surf the Net "by" telephone.] (from a news' title) link: https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/07/technology/news-watch-surf-the-net-by-telephone-that-may-be-possible-soon.html - BY (definition) from the dictionary (I have checked) (2. MEANS/METHOD (used to say what means or method someone uses to do something ) from: https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/by - My opinion& question: Sentence 4 is correct, so sentence 3 might be also correct, But why is sentence 3 never used (can't find an example online), or why is it wrong? - Any tips or suggestions are all welcome. If there is anything wrong in my opinion or understanding, please help to correct it. Thank you for your attention.

2 mag 2020 20:22

Risposte · 13

I think "by"+noun is only used in certain cases, most notably transport and communication: I went to Aberdeen by train. I came home by bus. We keep in touch by letter. I contacted her by phone. Your "phone" example is one of these. The only other example I can think of is the phrase "by hook or by crook", which has an origin so old it doesn't represent modern English. You can use "by" + "-ing" more widely: I surfed the net by using a computer. I found enlightenment by eating cake.

2 maggio 2020

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