drove by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drove by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing someone who was in a vehicle and passed by a certain location. Example: We saw a beautiful mansion as we drove by.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

When Rivera's truck drove by, Thornblad and her 10 co-workers began banging on the windows.

The New York Times - Sports

We drove by a church.

The New Yorker

A police car drove by.

The New Yorker

A bus drove by.

The New York Times - Magazine

He drove by a low drystone wall.

The New Yorker

We drove by a herd of cows.

The New Yorker

"No cars drove by.

The New York Times - Books

My neighbor M drove by.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'll drive by".

The New Yorker

Drive by wire.

The New York Times

Probably driven by talking dogs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "drove by" when narrating events, adding a sense of movement and observation to your storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "drove by" when you need to provide a detailed description of the location or event. It suggests a fleeting impression, not an in-depth observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drove by" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating the action of passing a location while operating a vehicle. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in narrating everyday observations and events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drove by" is a common and correct phrasal verb used to describe the action of passing a location while in a vehicle, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It typically conveys a brief or casual encounter. Its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academia and general conversation. To add variety to your writing, consider using alternatives like "passed in a car" or "cruised by". Remember to use "drove by" when describing past actions and be mindful of its connotation of a fleeting observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passed in a car

General replacement focusing on the action of passing in a car.

went past by car

Rephrasing with a slight emphasis on the mode of transport.

cruised by

Emphasizes a relaxed and unhurried pace.

motored past

More descriptive and implies a leisurely or scenic drive.

wheeled by

Informal and emphasizes the wheels of the vehicle.

rolled past

Casual phrasing suggesting a smooth and effortless passage.

travelled by

More formal, highlighting the journey aspect.

drifted past

Implies a passive or uncontrolled movement.

navigated by

Suggests a more active role in directing the vehicle.

edged past

Suggests a slow and cautious movement.

FAQs

How can I use "drove by" in a sentence?

You can use "drove by" to describe the action of passing a location in a vehicle, such as "I "drove by" the park this morning".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "drove by"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "motored past" or "cruised by" to add more detail to the way someone passed by.

Is it correct to say "drive by" instead of "drove by"?

"Drive by" is the base form of the verb. "Drove by" is the past tense. Use "drove by" when referring to a past action.

What's the difference between "drove by" and "passed by"?

"Drove by" specifically implies movement in a vehicle, while "passed by" can refer to any mode of movement, including walking or running.