go by

phrasal verb·3 senses·particle by

Meanings

1

Of time, pass or elapse

Time Passing

Why “by”? Time passes the same way. Moments stream past and are gone.

“The years went by quickly.”
The years passed quickly.
“The weekend went by too fast.”
The weekend passed too fast.
2

Use a rule, name, or evidence as your guide

Guide

Why “by”? BY shows the thing that guides you: a rule, promise, name, or belief.

“I go by the rules.”
I let the rules guide my actions.
“The judge went by the evidence.”
The judge let the evidence guide the decision.
3

Use a particular name

Guide
“She goes by Liz at home.”
She uses the name Liz at home.
“At work, Samuel goes by Sam.”
At work, Samuel uses the name Sam.

Don't confuse with

go bygo about

Go by means of time, pass or elapse. Go about means approach or carry out a task in a particular way.

Test yourself

“The years went by quickly.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

go about

A contrast learners often mix up

Approach or carry out a task in a particular way

abide by

Same by pattern: guide

Accept and follow a rule or decision

fly by

Same by pattern: time passing

Travel past quickly through the air; Of time, pass extremely quickly

live by

Same by pattern: guide

Live according to a rule or principle

pass by

Same by pattern: time passing

Move past a point without stopping; Of an opportunity or time, go past without being used

roll by

Same by pattern: time passing

Of time, pass smoothly and continuously

slip by

Same by pattern: time passing

Pass quietly without being noticed; Of time, pass quietly without being noticed

stand by

Same by pattern: guide

Wait nearby, ready to act if needed; Stay loyal to what you said or promised; Wait, ready to act when needed; Watch without intervening

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