stop by

USAGE SUMMARY

"stop by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are suggesting a person to come and visit you. Example: "If you're ever in town, be sure to stop by and say hello!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Stop by whenever!

The New Yorker

"Stop by when you get back".

The New Yorker

Stop by and see us.

TechCrunch

Stop by and say Hi!

TechCrunch

We Can't Stop by Dan Deacon.

Los Angeles Times

Stop by and introduce yourself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A neighbor, Sammy Vaknin, stopped by on Tuesday.

The New York Times

"I stopped by before Christmas.

The New York Times

Bill Clinton also stopped by recently.

Huffington Post

Villagers sometimes stopped by.

The New York Times

"But I stopped by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When inviting someone, specify a time if you want to ensure they don't arrive unannounced: "Stop by around 3 PM."

Common error

Avoid using "stop by" in highly formal writing. Opt for phrases like "visit briefly" or "pay a visit" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop by" primarily functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a brief and informal visit. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing examples where it's used to suggest or describe making a quick visit.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stop by" is a common phrasal verb suggesting a brief, casual visit. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts, mostly in news and media, and Wiki content. The phrase is generally informal, and while grammatically correct, it should be used cautiously in highly formal settings, opting for more professional alternatives. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing whether to use "stop by" or a more formal equivalent. When used appropriately, it's a great phrase for informal invitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drop in

Slightly more informal; emphasizes spontaneity.

pop in

Similar to "drop in", suggesting a very brief and casual visit.

visit briefly

More formal and explicit, emphasizing the short duration of the visit.

swing by

Suggests a casual visit, often while en route to somewhere else.

come over

Implies visiting someone's home.

make a quick visit

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the visit.

look in

British English equivalent, suggesting a quick check-in.

call in

Can refer to a short visit or a phone call, depending on context.

pay a call

More formal and somewhat old-fashioned.

come for a visit

General term for visiting, without specifying duration.

FAQs

How do you use "stop by" in a sentence?

You can use "stop by" to invite someone for a casual visit. For example, "Feel free to "stop by" my office if you have any questions".

What's a more formal way to say "stop by"?

More formal alternatives to "stop by" include "visit briefly" or "pay a visit". These are suitable for professional correspondence or formal invitations.

Is it correct to say "stopped by" instead of "stop by"?

Yes, "stopped by" is the past tense of "stop by". For example, "He "stopped by" yesterday to drop off the package".

What does "stop by" mean?

"Stop by" means to make a short, informal visit. It implies that the visit is brief and casual, not a formal appointment or extended stay.