From
* Origin or source: Indicates the starting point of something.
* *Example:* "I received a letter *from* my friend."
* Separation or removal: Indicates a separation or distance from something.
* *Example:* "The cat is hiding *from* the dog."
* Time or place: Indicates the beginning of a period or a location.
* *Example:* "The party starts *from* 7 pm."
By
* Means or method: Indicates how something is done or achieved.
* *Example:* "The letter was delivered *by* courier."
* Agent or author: Indicates the person or thing responsible for an action.
* *Example:* "The book was written *by* Jane Austen."
* Proximity or location: Indicates something is near or alongside something else.
* *Example:* "The library is *by* the park."
* Deadline or time: Indicates a limit or specific time.
* *Example:* "I need to finish the project *by* Friday."
Key Differences:
* Focus: "From" focuses on the origin or source, while "by" focuses on the means, agent, or proximity.
* Direction: "From" often implies movement away from something, while "by" can imply movement towards or alongside something.
Examples to highlight the difference:
* "The package arrived from China." (Origin)
* "The package was delivered by airmail." (Means)
* "I walked by the river on my way home." (Proximity)
* "The house was built by skilled craftsmen." (Agent)
Choosing the right preposition:
The best preposition depends on the specific context and the meaning you want to convey. Carefully consider the relationship between the words you are connecting.