himself or by himself

Share on Facebook

Anonymous

#510282 Tue, 06 May 08 10:48 AM

Hi,

I think some selective cases, the word 'by' is optional as in these ones:

He did it himself/by himself.

He made the toy truck himself/by himself.

He took care of the problem himself/by himself.

If I am correct, then when is it not optional?

Mister Micawber

#510304 Tue, 06 May 08 12:06 PM

.
They are close in meaning and hence are often practically interchangeable.

Himself -- no one else did it.
By himself -- without help.

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (22,185)

'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'