[Idiom] By Foot (American English)

[sitifan]

By Foot
Walking from Harvard Square
The library is approximately a 15-minute walk from Harvard Square. These directions originate from the Church St./Harvard Yard exit of the MBTA Red Line Harvard stop.
https://library.hds.harvard.edu/about/directions/by-foot

According to the link below, the phrase "by foot" is not acceptable in British English. Is it acceptable in American English?
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/149352-quot-by-foot-quot-or-quot-on-foot-quot

 

[jutfrank]

I don't think there's any notable difference between American and British varieties. Both varieties prefer on foot.

I suspect the writer used by there for two reasons. Firstly, because they considered that it worked better as a title, since the preposition by works well to make it clear that the text is dealing with a means of travel. Secondly, to accord better with the other pages ('By Car' and 'By Public Transportation').

 

[sitifan]

Both are correct but I don't know how the people designing your tests feel about it. Perhaps some ESL teachers can comment. (by a native speaker of Canadian English)
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/144449-I-go-to-school-by-foot-or-on-foot

When we talk about walking, we can say you go on foot or by foot, as a mode of transport. Which preposition is correct? Technically, on is more accurate, and common, and in exams you may be marked incorrect for using by foot. But why is by foot a mistake? Or is it a mistake at all? This is a perfect example of English grammar as a matter of style, not accuracy – and as you’ll see here, both are actually possible.
Should you say "on foot" or "by foot"? - English Lessons Brighton

 

[jutfrank]

Do you have another question, sitifan? Post #3 doesn't appear to be asking anything.

 

[sitifan]

Do you have another question, sitifan? Post #3 doesn't appear to be asking anything.

I know it's not acceptable in British English, but I suspect that it's acceptable in North American English.
[Grammar] "by foot" or "on foot"? (usingenglish.com)
On foot is the standard form, but you may see by foot used in some contexts. It is, for example, OK to describe a walking tour as Name-of-place by foot.

 

[jutfrank]

I know it's not acceptable in British English

What brings you to that conclusion?

 

[sitifan]

What brings you to that conclusion?

Rover: Only #1 (on foot) is correct. (British English)
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/249614-We-went-on-by-foot
bhaisahab: We don't say "go by foot". (British English)
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/172180-Go-by-foot
[h=1][/h]

 

[jutfrank]

I see. Well, I don't think you can come to any conclusions about whether it's acceptable British English to use by foot simply because a variety of forum members, speaking different varieties of English, all agree that I went by foot is incorrect. Neither should you conclude that the phrase by foot is incorrect in itself simply because one member has said we don't say we go by foot.

Take note of the opinion given in the second link you've posted in post #3, (which was written by a speaker of British English, by the way).

My view is that variety of English has nothing to do with this question. I also think that there can be contexts in which it is appropriate to use by foot, such as that you provide in post #1.

Can I ask you which of the following sentences you consider to be acceptable?:

I came here by bike.
I came here on a bike.

Could you imagine there to be any differences of use at all?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

In the US, we usually say on foot, but by foot wouldn't be entirely unnatural.

For example, your article compares modes of travel. In that case, it makes sense in American English to use the parallel construction by bus, by train, or by foot.

Similarly, if someone asks you, "How did you get here?" you might say "By foot" to stress that it wasn't by car, hoverboard, pogo stick, or blimp.

But the article you provided explains the difference much better than my attempt. Reread it. And for your test, tell them what they want to hear.