walk past

USAGE SUMMARY

'walk past' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of walking by something without stopping. For example, "I decided to walk past the park and continue on my route."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Walk past St.

The New York Times - Travel

People walk past and stare.

The New York Times

The shop I can't walk past.

Independent

You accept the standard you walk past?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some people walk past in a hurry.

The New York Times

A few people walk past, chatting loudly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Other students walk past and pay no attention.

The New York Times - Sports

"Once we walk past, we will never see them again".

The New Yorker

The shop I can't walk past... is Azzedine Alaia.

Independent

As I walk past, they say 'Holy shitballs!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Meanwhile, men and women in suits walk past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "walk past" to describe a physical action of moving from one location to another, while briefly encountering something along the way. For example: "I often "walk past" the bakery on my way home."

Common error

Avoid using "walk past" when you mean to ignore or neglect a duty. Instead, use phrases like "overlook", "disregard", or "neglect". "Walking past" generally refers to a physical action, not a moral one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "walk past" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating movement and spatial relationships. It describes the action of proceeding beyond a specific point or object without stopping or interacting. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "walk past" is a versatile term primarily used to describe the act of moving by something or someone without stopping. Ludwig confirms that "walk past" is suitable for use in written English. As demonstrated by the examples, this phrase is commonly found in news articles, general writing, and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to distinguish its physical meaning from metaphorical uses like ignoring a responsibility. Related phrases such as "pass by" and "go past" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass by

Emphasizes the action of moving alongside something.

go past

Highlights the act of progressing beyond a specific point.

move along

Suggests a continuous movement, often disregarding the object or person.

step over

Implies crossing something that is on the ground.

stride past

Suggests a confident or purposeful movement.

brush past

Conveys a slight or accidental contact while moving.

sail past

Suggests a smooth and effortless passing.

drift past

Implies a slow and undirected movement.

breeze past

Suggests a light and carefree passing.

file past

Denotes moving in a line or procession.

FAQs

How can I use "walk past" in a sentence?

You can use "walk past" to describe the act of moving by something or someone without stopping. For example, "I "walk past" the park every morning on my way to work".

What is a synonym for "walk past"?

Alternatives to "walk past" include phrases like "pass by", "go past", or "move along", each with slight variations in meaning.

Is it correct to say "walked passed" instead of "walk past"?

No, "walked passed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "walk past" (present tense), "walked past" (past tense), or "walking past" (present participle).

What does it mean to "walk past" an opportunity?

To "walk past" an opportunity implies missing or ignoring a chance or possibility. A more suitable alternative could be "overlook" or "miss out on" the opportunity.