Quote Originally Posted by oldboy
Lynn,
and can the only the preposition in be used in the meaning (instead of) the one by?
(is it possible only the preposition in to use instead of the one by?)
I think you are asking: are there any other prepositions that can be used to mean "by" in this situation? Right?

The simple answer: no.

The more complicated answer: I can think of one preposition that is similar to "by" but not 100% the same in meaning: during. Millions were affected during the storm. However, there is a small difference in meaning. By the storm implies that the people might still be affected after the storm (for example, their houses fell down). During the storm only means that they were affected while the storm was happening (for example, the electricity temporarily stopped working).

But from the more common prepositions, no, I can't think of any other that could replace "by" in that situation.