With, by, about and like do many jobs, and other languages split those jobs differently. So learners translate and say "cut it by a knife", "I broke it on mistake", "let's discuss about the trip" or "How is she like?" Each one sounds odd to British ears. This episode gives each word its main jobs: with for company and tools, by for transport, method and nearness, about for topics and rough numbers, and like for things that are similar. In this episode: • With: company, tools and features • By: transport, method, deadlines, nearness • About: topics and rough numbers • Like: similar things • Listening lab • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: Can I come with you? — together We're staying with Nan — at her house Cut the bread with the big knife — the tool Wipe the table with a cloth — the tool the flat with the blue door — a feature the girl with long hair — a feature tea with milk — something added Can you help me with the shopping? — the task What's wrong with the washing machine? — what's the problem? I'm with you on that — I agree (casual) We go to school by bus — the bus is how we travel We're going to the coast by car — the transport on the bus, on the train — big public transport you can stand up in in the car, in a taxi — small vehicles on my bike — you sit on top on foot — walking Can I pay by card? — the method Hand it in by Friday — the deadline (Episode 45) Put the plant by the window — next to it by mistake — not on purpose by accident — not planned by heart — from memory by myself — alone one by one — one at a time Real British English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — modern British accent, everyday grammar, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang, he/she/it for things, and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.