we stopped by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we stopped by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you and someone else (or a group) visited a place for a short period of time. For example, "We stopped by the library on our way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

So we stopped by to learn.

The New York Times

We stopped by to greet you.

The Guardian - Books

We stopped by Stringfellow's one night after the gavel dropped.

The New Yorker

We stopped by for a tour (and a taste).

The Economist

We stopped by the receptionist to make an appointment.

The New York Times

On our way out, we stopped by a room.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

We stop by a Henry Moore carving.

The New Yorker

We stop by regularly, and bring freshly baked scones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We stop by a lock and I fall asleep, totally relaxed.

The Guardian - Travel

We stop by the studio on our way to the basement.

The Guardian - Film

After we checked out of our hotel, he insisted that we stop by the Citadel of Erbil.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we stopped by" to convey a casual and brief visit. It's suitable for informal communication and storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "we stopped by" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "we visited" or "we conducted a brief visit to" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we stopped by" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a brief visit. It combines the pronoun "we" with the verb "stop" and the adverb "by" to create a compound verb with a specific meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we stopped by" is a common and generally accepted way to describe a brief, often casual visit. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous examples, indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media. While it's suitable for informal and neutral contexts, remember to use more formal alternatives like "we visited" in professional or academic writing. Be mindful of the context and audience when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we came by

A simple and direct alternative, closely mirroring the original phrase.

we swung by

Similar in meaning, suggesting a quick and casual visit, often en route to somewhere else.

we popped in

Indicates a very brief and often unplanned visit.

we dropped in

An informal alternative with a similar meaning, but slightly more casual.

we made a quick visit

Explicitly states the visit was short.

we visited briefly

Replaces 'stopped by' with a more formal term, emphasizing the short duration of the visit.

we looked in

Highlights the act of peering inside or briefly entering a place.

we checked in

Suggests a brief visit to register or make contact.

we went over

Indicates movement to another location for a visit.

we paid a call

A more formal and traditional way of saying 'stopped by'.

FAQs

What does "we stopped by" mean?

It means that you and someone else (or a group) visited a place or person for a short period of time. It implies a brief and often casual visit.

What can I say instead of "we stopped by"?

You can use alternatives like "we visited briefly", "we dropped in", or "we came by" depending on the context.

Is "we stopped by" formal or informal?

It's generally considered informal. For formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "we visited" or "we made a brief visit".

How to use "we stopped by" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "We stopped by the coffee shop on our way to the office." It shows a brief visit made while going somewhere else.