I was caught by surprise by....
or
I was caught by surprise with....
or
something else?
2006-11-30 13:07:12 · 4 answers · asked by kewlchic189 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It depends on which is the "subject", and which is the "predicate". "With" would presume association, whilst "By" would suggest Participation.
2006-11-30 13:22:46 · answer #1 · answered by Ashleigh 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By. However, hear this one:
When I realised that the package was coming my way, it caught me by surprise.
I was caught by surprise WHEN the package came my way.
It must depend upon the surrounding words.
2006-11-30 21:13:32 · answer #2 · answered by thisbrit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hmm... not with, because it would mean you and that person were caught by surprise.
by would be fine, but it doesn't sound 100% right.
i would suggest WHEN, because people would like to know the reason why you were caught by surprise.
hope this helps :)
2006-11-30 21:15:38 · answer #3 · answered by wat_more_can_i_say? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was caught by suprise with a blink of my eyes.
2006-11-30 21:14:58 · answer #4 · answered by Figneuton 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋