"applied with" vs "applied by"

Question

"applied with" vs "applied by"

Both 'applied by' and 'applied with' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Applied by' is used to indicate the agent or person performing the action of applying something, while 'applied with' is used to indicate the instrument or means used to apply something.

Last Updated: April 03, 2024

Use 'applied with' when you want to specify the tool, substance, or method used to apply something. For example, 'The paint was applied with a brush.'

Examples:

The cake was applied with frosting.
The cream was applied with a spatula.
The glue was applied with a brush.

Alternatives:

used with
spread with
administered with
put on with
implemented with

Use 'applied by' when you want to specify who is performing the action of applying something. For example, 'The paint was applied by the artist.'

Examples:

The medication was applied by the nurse.
The tattoo was applied by a professional artist.
The makeup was applied by the makeup artist.

Alternatives:

administered by
put on by
spread by
used by
implemented by

Answer 1

applied with

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the instrument or means used to apply something.

Answer 2

applied by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the agent or person performing the action of applying something.