Distinguishing BY and WITH in passive constructions
Q1. The window was broken ___ a stone
WITH introduces the instrument. BY introduces the agent. Stones do not act alone.
Q2. The window was broken ___ the children
BY introduces the agent. Children acted. Windows suffered.
Q3. The cake was made ___ my grandmother
BY introduces the person. Grandmother baked. Cake was consumed.
Q4. The cake was made ___ love
WITH introduces the abstract ingredient. Love is metaphorical. Cake was delicious.
Q5. Which is correct?
BY the artist, WITH the medium. Agency and instrument are distinguished. Art was created.