Correct? [Surf the Net by computer.]
1. Surf the Net "on" a computer.
2. Surf the Net "with" a computer.
3. Surf the Net "by" computer.
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a. I found and thought the sentences 1&2 above both are correct.
b. However, I never found an example of the usage in sentence 3
A close one is like sentence 4.[Surf the Net "by" telephone.] (from a news' title)
link: https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/07/technology/news-watch-surf-the-net-by-telephone-that-may-be-possible-soon.html
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BY (definition) from the dictionary (I have checked)
(2. MEANS/METHOD (used to say what means or method someone uses to do something )
from: https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/by
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My opinion& question:
Sentence 4 is correct, so sentence 3 might be also correct,
But why is sentence 3 never used (can't find an example online), or why is it wrong?
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Any tips or suggestions are all welcome.
If there is anything wrong in my opinion or understanding, please help to correct it.
Thank you for your attention.
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 13
2
I think "by"+noun is only used in certain cases, most notably transport and communication:
I went to Aberdeen by train.
I came home by bus.
We keep in touch by letter.
I contacted her by phone.
Your "phone" example is one of these.
The only other example I can think of is the phrase "by hook or by crook", which has an origin so old it doesn't represent modern English.
You can use "by" + "-ing" more widely:
I surfed the net by using a computer.
I found enlightenment by eating cake.
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