By + ing
To indicate the method or means of achieving or doing something we can use by + ing. Sometimes by can be left out, but it is usually necessary to make it clear that it is the means rather than simply simultaneous events. By + ing can also indicate the cause of something. 1
E.g.
Some have sidestepped these debates by asking a more subtle question— Algunos han evitado estos debates haciendo una pregunta más sutil
I managed to open the bottle (by) using a damp cloth — Conseguí abrir la botella usando un trapo húmedo
He learns the songs by listening to MP3s — Él aprende las canciones escuchando el MP3
I finished the project by working hard — Terminé el proyecto a fuerza de mucho trabajo
*I finished the project working hard — Terminé el proyecto trabajando mucho (estaba trabajando mucho cuando terminé)
They made a lot of money (by) buying old houses — Hicieron mucho dinero comprando casas antiguas
By arriving late, you have ruined our day— Al llegar tarde, nos has fastidiado el día
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