What is the difference between near and by?

Joss · Sat Jan 08, 2005 2:08 am *What is the difference between near and by?*

Test No. incompl/elem-1 "Speaking already", question 4

We live ......... the city centre.

(a) near
(b) next
(c) by
(d) nearby

Test No. incompl/elem-1 "Speaking already", answer 4

We live near the city centre.

Correct answer: (a) near

Your answer was: incorrect
We live by the city centre.
_________________________

Hi there,

I understand that 'near' perfectly fits here, but why not 'by'?
Thanks

Alan · Sat Jan 08, 2005 10:32 am By

There are many uses of this preposition but it doesn't fit here because it is not precise enough. You could say by the river/by the sea but city centre is more exact.
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story French or English?

	ESL Forum \| English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)	All times are GMT + 2 Hours
Page 1 of 1