Prepositions of Agency and Instrumentality

1. By – used to indicate the means or agent

Example: The letter was sent by mail.

2. With – used to indicate the tool or means

Example: He opened the box with a knife.

3. Through – by way of

Example: The company grows through innovation.

4. Via – through the means of

Example: She traveled to Paris via London.

5. With the help of – using assistance

Example: He solved the problem with the help of a friend.

6. By means of – by using something

Example: The fire was extinguished by means of water.

7. Thanks to – because of

Example: Thanks to modern technology, we can communicate instantly.

8. In association with – connected with

Example: The event was organized in association with local charities.

9. By way of – through

Example: She explained the concept by way of examples.

10. By virtue of – due to

Example: He won by virtue of his determination.

11. In collaboration with – working together with

Example: The project was completed in collaboration with experts.

12. With regard to – concerning

Example: With regard to your question, we will follow up later.

13. With reference to – in connection with

Example: With reference to your application, we are pleased to offer you the job.

14. On the part of – done by

Example: The efforts on the part of the team were commendable.

15. With respect to – regarding

Example: With respect to your concerns, we are making changes.

16. By the means of – using

Example: The problem was solved by the means of teamwork.

17. Under the auspices of – with the support of

Example: The event was held under the auspices of the United Nations.

18. In the name of – for the sake of

Example: They acted in the name of justice.

19. By way of explanation – to clarify

Example: By way of explanation, she provided examples.

20. With the support of – with the help of

Example: The project succeeded with the support of the community.