Commonly confused
Come by vs Come over
“Come by” and “Come over” look alike but pull in different directions. Here is what each one means, with examples — and the difference that learners most often miss.
The key difference
Come by means pay a brief visit to someone. Come over means visit by crossing to where you are.
come by
- 1
Pay a brief visit to someone
“Come by for a coffee.”
come over
- 1
Visit by crossing to where you are
“Come over for dinner tonight.”
- 2
Visit someone's house or place
“Come over for dinner.”
- 3
Be felt by someone suddenly
“A wave of dizziness came over me.”
Stop mixing them up
Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.