go by
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle by
Meanings
Of time, pass or elapse
Why “by”? Time passes the same way. Moments stream past and are gone.
“The years went by quickly.”
“The weekend went by too fast.”
“An hour went by as Maya and Leo watched towns from the train.”
Use a rule, name, or evidence as your guide
Why “by”? BY shows the thing that guides you: a rule, promise, name, or belief.
“I go by the rules.”
“The judge went by the evidence.”
Use a particular name
“She goes by Liz at home.”
“At work, Samuel goes by Sam.”
Don't confuse with
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; Do your normal activities
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, ready to act if needed; Stay loyal to what you said or promised; Watch without intervening
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