Using/by using
Which is correct? Thanks.1.He cuts an apple with a knife.2. He cuts an apple using a knife.3. He cuts an apple by using a knife.
May
New member
1 answer 
Expanding on Tolley's answer, you can:
"cut with a knife."
"cut using a knife"
"cut by using a knife"
All three are acceptable, but carry slightly different emphasis in American English. In the first example, the emphasis is on what was cut -- in your case, the apple -- and the knife is more of an afterthought. The second and third place a bit more emphasis on what did the cutting -- the knife -- and might be used in situations where a choice of cutting tools was available. "He cut the apple using the knife and not the hacksaw." Adding "by" further emphasizes "knife". The "by using" construction is less common, unless the extra emphasis is desired.
Hope this helps.
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answered Mar 30 '12 at 15:39
Jeff Pribyl
Grammarly Fellow
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