By = "par" "de"

S. B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

By = "par" "de"

This question comes up again.  In the corrections, "les maisons surmontées par une grande église" and "les maisons surmontées d'une grande église" are both suggested.  I thought "par" was closer to "by" in English and "de" was closer to "with."  Is this wrong?

Asked 4 years ago
Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

When you have a phrase in the passive voice, the agent can be introduced either by par or by de, so these would both be translated as "by" in this context. The choice of preposition depends on whether the verb is considered active or not.

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/passive-voice/

S. B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thank you.

S. B. asked:View original

By = "par" "de"

This question comes up again.  In the corrections, "les maisons surmontées par une grande église" and "les maisons surmontées d'une grande église" are both suggested.  I thought "par" was closer to "by" in English and "de" was closer to "with."  Is this wrong?

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