pass by

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to go past someone or something, as in "We passed by the store on our way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Horseman, pass by!

Encyclopedia Britannica

So I pass by often.

The New York Times

You couldn't pass by without joining them.

The New York Times - Travel

Whew, thanks -- "Horseman, pass by"!

Huffington Post

Movements pass by harmlessly.

The New York Times - Arts

The years pass by.

The New Yorker

"Maybe they'll all pass by".

The New Yorker

Most just pass by.

The New York Times

Usually the waters pass by lethargically".

The New York Times - Books

It's so easy to pass by.

The New York Times

Young parents pass by with pushchairs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass by" to describe the elapsing of time, consider whether a more specific verb like "elapse" or "go by" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "pass by" interchangeably with phrases that imply a more active or intentional action, such as "overlook" or "ignore", as "pass by" primarily denotes physical or temporal movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pass by" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating movement past a specific point in space or the elapsing of time. As Ludwig AI highlights, this usage is grammatically correct and common. For instance, 'I saw her pass by the window' illustrates spatial movement, while 'The years pass by quickly' shows the passage of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass by" is a versatile phrasal verb that is grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It mainly functions as an intransitive verb, denoting movement past a location or the elapsing of time. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. While semantically similar to phrases like "go past" and "travel past", it is important to use it accurately to avoid confusion with more intentional actions. Remember to consider context and choose the most precise verb for the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go past

Indicates movement beyond a specific point, similar to "pass by" but with a slightly different emphasis on motion.

travel past

Emphasizes the journey or movement involved in going beyond something, adding a sense of transit.

go by

A simpler and more general way to express moving past or the elapsing of time.

elapse

Specifically refers to the passing of time, offering a more formal and concise alternative when time is the subject.

roll by

Suggests a continuous and often uneventful passing of time or objects.

drift by

Implies a passive or gentle passing, often used in the context of time or opportunities.

slide by

Indicates a smooth and perhaps unnoticed passing, often implying a lack of interaction or impact.

skirt around

Suggests avoiding direct contact or confrontation while passing near something.

walk past

Specifically indicates passing by on foot, adding a detail about the mode of movement.

leave behind

Emphasizes the act of moving away and not returning, highlighting the separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "pass by" to describe movement past a location, as in "I saw her "pass by" the window". It can also refer to the passage of time: "The years "pass by" quickly".

What's the difference between "pass by" and "go past"?

"Pass by" and "go past" are very similar, both indicating movement beyond a specific point. "Pass by" might sometimes imply a more casual or incidental movement, while "go past" can be more direct, but the distinction is often subtle.

What can I say instead of "pass by" when talking about time?

When referring to the passage of time, you could use alternatives like "elapse" or "go by", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say 'passed by' instead of 'pass by'?

Yes, "passed by" is the past tense form of "pass by". For example, "He "passed by" the bakery every morning".