What does "with" mean?

Question

My Japanese language partner asked me this question after I wrote to him in an Email, "I took the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria and found it beautiful, with the quiet little forested islands passing by on both sides of the boat." It's not easy to give a simple answer! Anybody have a brainstorm?

Answer 1

It really depends on the context. In the example you gave "with" would most likely mean while, during, or when. It can be used to state two actions occurring at the same time.

Eg.) Ellie loved riding her bike WITH the wind blowing in her hair
(The wind was blowing in her hair during the process of her riding the bike)

Answer 2

That while you were on the ferry you "also noticed" the beautiful scenery. With is describing the scenery from Vancouver to Victoria. That the area from one place to the other is what is being described.

Unfortunately, English is the hardest language to learn.Some of our words have 2 to 3 meanings. American English varies across the Country and the PROPER QUEENS ENGLISH varies from County to County and whether or not you are in Europe, Canada or Australia. What a mess.

Answer 3

I'm sure he's just winding you up to see if you can answer it ;) There are about 20 different ways of explaining with- but in the context you used it would mean: accompanied by

isn't english a crazy language :)

Answer 4

Alongside the ferry journey. Together.

Answer 5

It simply means added to or in addition to. The forested islands added to the beautiful view. I would think that would help him understand.

Answer 6

"with" means "to accompany," so the ferry ride was beautiful because it included viewing (was accompanied by) the quiet little forested islands.....

Answer 7

Japanese definition,


In Harmony = With

Answer 8

by means of
by
through
by way of
among
in the midst of
amid
in company of

Answer 9

"With" is a preposition. Below is something from dictionary.com. In your sentence, "with" is the word that leads into how you think Victoria is beautiful...

with
–preposition 1. accompanied by; accompanying: I will go with you. He fought with his brother against the enemy.
2. in some particular relation to (esp. implying interaction, company, association, conjunction, or connection): I dealt with the problem. She agreed with me.
3. characterized by or having: a person with initiative.
4. (of means or instrument) by the use of; using: to line a coat with silk; to cut with a knife.
5. (of manner) using or showing: to work with diligence.
6. in correspondence, comparison, or proportion to: Their power increased with their number. How does their plan compare with ours?
7. in regard to: to be pleased with a gift.
8. (of cause) owing to: to die with pneumonia; to pale with fear.
9. in the region, sphere, or view of: It is day with us while it is night with the Chinese.
10. (of separation) from: to part with a thing.
11. against, as in opposition or competition: He fought with his brother over the inheritance.
12. in the keeping or service of: to leave something with a friend.
13. in affecting the judgment, estimation, or consideration of: Her argument carried a lot of weight with the trustees.
14. at the same time as or immediately after; upon: And with that last remark, she turned and left.
15. of the same opinion or conviction as: Are you with me or against me?
16. in proximity to or in the same household as: He lives with his parents.
17. (used as a function word to specify an additional circumstance or condition): We climbed the hill, with Jeff following behind.
—Idioms18. in with. in (def. 34).
19. with child, pregnant.
20. with it, Slang. a. knowledgeable about, sympathetic to, or partaking of the most up-to-date trends, fashions, art, etc.
b. representing or characterized by the most up-to-date trends, fashions, art, etc.

21. with that. that (def. 18).

Answer 10

alongside or in addition