Language Research

with · preposition

/wɪð/Full view

with (TOGETHER)

A1 used to say that people or things are in a place together or are doing something together

Dictionary examples:

I was with Sylvia at the time.

He lives with his grandmother.

I'm going to Mexico with a couple of friends.

Ingrid Bergman starred with Humphrey Bogart in the film 'Casablanca'.

Learner example:

On Sunday afternoon, she goes with her husband and her son to the swim[m]ing pool. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Russian)

with (HAVING)

A1 having or including something

Dictionary examples:

a house with a swimming pool

a woman with brown eyes

Learner example:

I want you to cook rice with fish and olives. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Russian)

with (USING)

A2 using something

Dictionary examples:

She hit him over the head with a tennis racket.

Fix the two pieces together with glue.

Learner example:

I can print [the] advertisement and tickets with my computer. (Key English Test; A2; French)

with (WHAT)

B1 used to say what fills, covers, etc. something

Dictionary examples:

a bucket filled with water

She filled the pitcher with cream.

Learner example:

It was like throwing her into a pool filled with ice. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Farsi)

with (HOW)

B1 used to describe the way someone does something

Dictionary example:

He plays with great skill.

Learner example:

People can do more things and with more energy when [they are] listening to music. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

with (CAUSE)

B2 because of something

Dictionary examples:

I was shaking with fear.

I can't work with all that noise going on.

Learner example:

It was Tuesday the 13th and the fact that I was very superstitious made me tremble with fear. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

with (RELATING TO)

B2 relating to something or someone

Dictionary example:

There's something wrong with the car.

Learner example:

[It]'s such a shame when people use [computers] badly, just for damaging and making things worse, because if there's something wrong with them, almost everything is wrong [with] us too. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

with respect to sth

B2 relating to a particular thing

Dictionary example:

I am writing with respect to your letter of June 24.

Learner example:

With respect to the ages of the members, they are between fifteen and twenty years old. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

with all due respect

C1 used to politely disagree with or give a negative opinion about something

Dictionary example:

I’ve been thinking about what you said and, with all due respect, I think you’re mistaken.

Learner example:

Finally we would like to point out two [things] that should be improved. The first one is entertainment, which, with all due respect, is very poor. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

with the aid of sth

C1 using something to help you

Dictionary example:

She walks with the aid of a cane.

Learner example:

The newest computer can handle data that human brains cannot and therefore all scientific research [is] carried out with the aid of computers. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Chinese)

with flying colors

C1 with a very high score or with great success

Dictionary example:

He passed the exam with flying colors.

Learner example:

Thr[o]u[gh] this, he was able to get his college degree and graduated with flying colors. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Tagalog)

with your bare hands

C2 without using any type of tool or weapon when doing something that requires a lot of strength

Dictionary example:

He wrestled the lion to the ground with his bare hands.

Learner example:

You could tell your grandchildren about the good old days when you hunted for mammoths and skinned them with your bare hands, just a few million years back (sigh: "seems like yesterday"). (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

with bated breath

C2 in an excited or anxious way

Dictionary example:

I waited with bated breath as the results were read out.

Learner example:

Nevertheless, a huge number of scientists carrying out very useful research, [and] composers, actors, [and] artists making us watch their creations with bated breath, do not earn [as much] money as a lot of outstanding sportsmen do. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

with a heavy heart

C2 If you do or say something with a heavy heart, you feel very sad or anxious

Dictionary example:

It was with a heavy heart that he packed his bags and left his home of many years.

Learner example:

I started to clear the table with a heavy heart, and was still in the process of washing up when the bell rang and, on dashing to open the door - I was the only one that was still up - I was relieved to find that my friends had come to greet me, as is their wont. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

with the compliments of sb

C2 used by someone to express good wishes when they give you something free, for example in a restaurant

Dictionary example:

Please accept this champagne with the compliments of the manager.

Learner example:

The guest can also choose from a selection of wonderful desserts such as mousse au chocolat with fresh ras[p]berries before finishing his/her meal with a rose lique[u]r - with the compliments of the house (and the bill). (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)