Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[syoshioka99]

The idea has been defended (with/by) apparently striking arguments.
Which is correct? (I think both are correct but I don't know the difference.)



Satoru

JAPAN

P.S.

Practical English Usage by Swan says: We use "by" when we talk about an action-what we DO to get a result. We use "with" when we talk about a tool or other object-what we USE to get a result.

so by using "by", I guess I can say "by doing arguments", but don't know if I can say "with arguments " (using arguments???) However, the original sentence looked like this: "the idea has been defended with apparently striking arguments."

[Nef]

The idea has been defended (with/by) apparently striking arguments.
Which is correct? (I think both are correct but I don't know the difference.)
____________________________________________________________

I've heard people use both "by" and "with" for something like this. Few people would stop to complain that either word is incorrect. Since you asked, I think "with" probably is a better choice because the arguments THEMSELVES are NOT defending something. They are logical tools used BY a person or people.

[syoshioka99]

I did understand most of what you said, but what do you mean by "the arguments THEMSELVES are NOT defending something." Could you please explain?
Satoru

Tochigi JAPAN



by the way, where in california are you at? I lived in LA about 4 years ago you know...

[Nef]

I just meant that the arguments are logical tools (used by people) and don't act on their own.

[syoshioka99]

I got you!

Satoru

JAPAN