Discussion of 由 [yóu] (be done) by; via; from; by means of; due to; to obey, to follow; (lit.) to abide by

Discussion of 由

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When 由 is used as a preposition meaning "(be done) by", it is not used in the same way as 被. 由 put on an emphasis on the responsible party of the action or event. For example:
Example 1. 这项重大工程由他负责，我放心。 [phr] I felt relieved that he was responsible for this important project.
Example 2. 这次的事故是由他酒后开车所致。 [phr] This accident is caused by his drunk-driving.
Example 3. 这家公司由他经营 [phr] this company is operated by him

In the three sentences above, we cannot use 被 to replace 由.

lisaC

被 vs 由

被 and 由 both mean "to be done (by...)", but they are different.
1. Sentences with 由 emphasize who is responsible for the action. The action itself has a strong sense of purpose and is usually arranged or planned;

2. Sentences with 被 emphasize the result that comes from the influence of the action. The action itself does not have a strong sense of purpose, meaning that it is usually not planned or pre-arranged.

Examples of 由:
这项重大工程由他负责，我放心。 [phr] I felt relieved that he was responsible for this important project.
这次的事故是由他酒后开车所致。 [phr] This accident is caused by his drunk-driving.
这家公司由他经营。 [phr] This company is operated by him.

Examples of 被:
我的奶酪蛋糕被你吃了。 [phr] My cheesecake was eaten by you.
我的报纸被风刮跑了。 [phr] My newspaper was blown away by the wind.

lisaC

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