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 France 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 jug 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 24 June.

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 the aid of sth

C1 using something to help you

Dictionary example:

She can walk with the aid of a stick.

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 colours

C1 with a very high score or with great success

Dictionary example:

He passed the entrance exam with flying colours.

Learner example:

I worked intens[ive]ly on the course and I passed with flying colours. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Turkish)

with a view to doing sth

C1 so that you can do something

Dictionary example:

He's doing some improvements on the house with a view to selling it.

Learner example:

The purpose of this report is to assess the success of the latest tour our sports club organised and make relevant suggestions with a view to enhancing future trips. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

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 grand-children 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 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)