Question

What is the difference between the prepositions AT and BY in the phrase given above?

Answer 1

By the door means something is located close to the door.  Ex. My hoes are by the door.  At the door means someone has come to the door, that is, someone is visiting you.  Ex. John is at the door.  By the door can also be a person.  Ex. John is by the door (close proximity to the door, maybe John is waiting for you by the door.

Answer 2

AT THE DOOR ABOUT TO POSITION

BY THE DOOR ABOUT TO THE ACTION TO PASS IN FRONT OF DOOR

Answer 3

Open at the door . Close by the door

Answer 4

A person waiting to come in is AT the door. Umbrellas, shoes, etc, are BY (next to) the door,

Answer 5

Person waiting to come in is at the door. Objects positioned near the door are by the door.