by
prepositionShows who made or created something, as in 'a book by the author'.
prepositionShows how something is done or what is used to do it, as in 'travel by bus' or 'cut by scissors'.
prepositionMeans next to or beside, as in 'sit by the window'.
prepositionMeans not later than a certain time, as in 'finish by tomorrow'.
prepositionShows the size of something using two numbers, as in 'a table ten metres by five metres'.
adverbMeans near or in the area, as in 'stand by' or 'go by'.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter B
The letter B makes the /b/ sound, like in 'bat', 'big', and 'bug'. Both lips press together then release.
B is a voiced bilabial stop — both lips press together and release with voice. It always makes the /b/ sound except when silent at the end of words after m (as in 'lamb' or 'comb').
Tip
B looks like a bat — and bat starts with /b/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Y as Long I
When Y is at the end of a short word, it says long I, like in 'fly' and 'cry'.
When Y appears at the end of a single-syllable word, it makes the long I sound /aɪ/. Examples: fly, cry, by, my, sky, dry, try.
Tip
Y at the end of a short word says I — fly, cry, sky!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.