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By friend vs By the friend

Both phrases are incorrect. The correct phrase is "my friend." The use of the possessive pronoun "my" is necessary to indicate that the friend belongs to the speaker.

Last updated: March 29, 2024

By friend

This phrase is incorrect. It lacks the possessive pronoun needed to indicate ownership.

The correct phrase should be "by my friend" to show that the friend belongs to the speaker.
  • The alien invasion is a lie made up by Friend.
  • Donkey... The one who was killed by Friend?
  • You should know, after the 2015 resurrection charade, a third of mankind around the world died from the virus spread by Friend.
  • This bomb can only be set off by Friend's remote control.
  • The opening ceremony will be presided by Friend's body.
  • One by friend, one by foe, and one...
  • The prophecy said that you would fall by friend, by foe, and by family.
  • By Friend, you mean...
  • want to hear about how at one point I was at the top then dismissed by Friend, ended up at this barrier?
  • 15 years after Bloody New Year's Eve, It is a new world ruled by Friend.
  • You will all fall... one by friend, one by foe, and one by family.

Alternatives:

  • by my friend

By the friend

This phrase is also incorrect. It uses the definite article "the" in a context where the possessive pronoun is needed.

The correct phrase should be "by my friend" to correctly indicate that the friend belongs to the speaker.
  • It was taken by the friends who gave you to the orphanage.
  • You can tell a lot about a person by the friends he keeps.
  • It is a lie created by her and perpetuated by the friends that helped to "save" her.
  • "Your success will not be measured in money," "but by the friends you make."
  • surrounded by all the friends and family you once knew.
  • Surrounded by all the friends and family you knew all those years ago.
  • Last week, Officer Goodtimes over there came in here and bought a jug of vodka with his pay-by-the-hour friend.
  • Well, I came by for the friends-and-family discount, but it looks like I better tap a new keg and make that colada instead.
  • I was deceived by the Essex witches, by all those around me, by the only friend I had.
  • Signed by the family and friends of the victims he was speaking for, no doubt.
  • No, I'm just going by the plan your friends came up with.
  • It seems Mr Granger is haemorrhaging friends by the second.
  • They will be best friends by the end of the appetizers.
  • By the way, my friends call me Tick-Tock.
  • Mr President, I support the proposal by my friend, the very honourable member, Baroness Ludford, with pleasure.
  • You see, the four of us, best friends... we all have this other friend by the name of Duddits.
  • By the way, your friend's down in the chamber.
  • I also have a good friend by the name of Jimmy Graham.
  • You know, if we can get him busted by the cops, his friends will keep their distance.
  • I got a call from a friend by the name of Bugsy Calhoune.

Alternatives:

  • by my friend

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