With | Definition, Meaning & Uses
The word with is a preposition and conveys meanings such as “together in the same place as” (e.g., “Keep it with you at all times”), “having/featuring” (e.g., “The one with the polka dots”), and “using” (e.g., “Crush the biscuits with a rolling pin”).
Its part of speech is always a preposition in standard modern English, unlike many other prepositions, which can often fulfil a variety of other grammatical functions (e.g., “for,” “on,” “in,” “to,” and “by”).
Who did we see that movie with?
It’s a kind of cabaret with music, dance, and comedy.
I’d like it with extra mushrooms.
You won’t be able to fix that with glue.
Don’t open it with a knife.
With meaning
If one thing is with another thing, it means that they are “together in the same location.” However, the preposition “with” is also used with many other meanings that go beyond this basic definition.
| Meaning of with | Example in a sentence |
|---|---|
| Using | You can see how he’s painted it with his hands rather than a brush. |
| There isn’t a key; you open it with a code. | |
| Featuring/having/possessing | Didn’t you use to have a car with a spoiler on the back? |
| They’re looking for someone with a proven track record in sales. | |
| In connection with | Can you help him with his homework? |
| She has lots of experience with children. | |
| In support of | You can count on us; we’ll be with you all the way. |
| The public are not with the government on this issue. | |
| Because of/as a result of (e.g., in the context of feelings) | Are you pleased with the outcome? |
| He burst into tears, overcome with joy. |
Is with a preposition?
The word with always functions as a preposition in standard modern English—you won’t find it categorized as any other part of speech in standard dictionaries.
With forms part of a number of prepositional verbs. These are verb-preposition combinations with meanings that are distinct from the verbs on their own and that always have an object.
| Prepositional verb | Example in a sentence |
|---|---|
| Agree with | I agree with Sharon; we should make a complaint. |
| Deal with | How are we going to deal with this problem? |
| Comply with | Our process doesn’t comply with the new regulations. |
| Interfere with | I think the microwave is interfering with the Wi-Fi signal. |
| Sympathize with | I’ve been in the same situation myself and can sympathize with you. |
What part of speech is with?
The part of speech of the word with is always a preposition in standard modern English.
In some dialects of English, “with” is used as a particle in combination with the verbs “come,” “go,” and “take,” where the verb would be used without this particle in standard English.
Oh, you’re still here; I thought you were going with.
Here’s an umbrella; you should take it with.
Frequently asked questions about with
- Is with capitalized in a title?
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With is capitalized in a title if you are following APA Style because it is a preposition with four letters or more. With is not capitalized in a title if you are following MLA Style, where all prepositions are lowercase.
If you are using a style guide, check its rules for the capitalization of titles. If you are not following a style guide, then you can choose if you want to capitalize “with” in your titles, but it is important to be consistent.
Consult your style guide to see if you should write headings and subheadings in title case or sentence case.
QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker will help you to identify errors with capitalization in your texts.
- Is with a verb?
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No, the word with is not a verb; it is a preposition. Prepositions are words that demonstrate a relationship between two parts of a phrase or sentence. “With” often gives information about location, whether literal (e.g., “put that one with the others”) or more figurative (e.g., “Who is with me?”).
QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can help you make sure you’re using different parts of speech correctly.
- Is it without or with out?
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It is without, not with out.
“Without” typically functions as a preposition and is spelled as one word (e.g., “Do you want your burger with or without ketchup?”).
QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker will help you to correct errors in your writing—like writing “without” as two words instead of one.
