Exploring the Nuances of 'Collaboration By', 'Collaboration With', and 'Collaboration Between'

When discussing collaboration in various contexts, you might often find yourself grappling with the choice of prepositions: 'by', 'with', or 'between'.

Understanding Each Phrase

Yes, you can say 'collaboration by', 'collaboration with', and 'collaboration between'. However, each phrase serves a different purpose and has distinct implications.

Collaboration by: Emphasizing the Actor

The phrase 'collaboration by' emphasizes the agent or the party that is doing the collaborating.

"This artwork is a collaboration by Picasso and Warhol."

This usage is somewhat rare because the focus is not on the interaction or the end result but rather on the specific contributors. When you use 'by', you are attributing the work to specific individuals or entities rather than describing the nature of their interaction.

Collaboration with: Focusing on the Relationship

'Collaboration with' indicates the parties involved in the collaboration, focusing on the relationship.

"Tesla and SpaceX collaborate with Google on a groundbreaking AI project."

This phrase is more common and widely used, as it highlights the partnership and the entities involved in the collaboration.

Collaboration between: Emphasizing Interaction

'Collaboration between' typically refers to a partnership involving two or more distinct entities, emphasizing the interaction and collaborative process itself.

"Google and Microsoft collaborate between two major tech giants to improve user experience."

By choosing 'between', you draw attention to the collaborative process and the interaction between the parties involved.

When 'Collaboration By' Might Make Sense

While 'collaboration by' is possible, it is not as commonly used as 'collaboration with' or 'collaboration between'. It might make sense in cases where the focus is on attributing the outcome to specific individuals or entities rather than on the collaborative process.

"The successful completion of the project is a collaboration by John and Isabelle, allowing us to deliver the work ahead of schedule."

In this case, 'by' is used to indicate the specific individuals involved in the collaboration.

General Usage: 'With' is Preferred

Generally, one collaborates 'with' others.

"Awesome Brewing Company collaborates with One Fine Brewery to create a unique beer."

'With' is more usual and more appropriate in most situations, unless you are talking about the collaboration of people other than yourself.

The Nature of 'Collaboration'

We tend to use 'collaboration' as a noun referring to the act of working together rather than the outcome or end product that act results in.

"Beer’s Ears Stout is a product of Awesome Brewing Company in collaboration with One Fine Brewery."

For this reason, you usually see 'collaboration' followed by 'with' or 'between'.

"Beer's Ears Stout is a collaboration between Awesome Brewing Company and One Fine Brewery."

Rarely, you might see 'collaboration' followed by 'of' or 'by'

"Beer's Ears Stout is a collaboration of Awesome Brewing Company and One Fine Brewery."

"Beer’s Ears Stout is a collaboration by Awesome Brewing Company and One Fine Brewery."

In these cases, 'by' would mean something different, indicating a method: 'A collaboration by mixing two barrels of beer resulted in an award-winning brew.'

Conclusion

While you could technically use 'collaboration by', it is not as common and may be considered unusual in most contexts. The phrases 'collaboration with' and 'collaboration between' are more widely and appropriately used.

"Frankly, I wouldn’t use the word collaboration at all."

Sometimes, alternatives like 'project' or 'partnership' might be more fitting depending on the context.