pass by

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle by

Usefulness

Meanings

1

Move past a point without stopping

Passing

Why “by”? Something moves near a point and continues past it.

“We passed by the old church.”
We went past the old church without stopping.
“The bus passed by the library.”
The bus went past the library without stopping.
“Maya and Leo watched small towns pass by from the train window.”
Maya and Leo watched the train go past small towns without stopping.
2

Of an opportunity or time, go past without being used

Time Passing

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

“Don't let this chance pass you by.”
Don't let this opportunity go past without seizing it.
“She let the job offer pass her by.”
She let the job offer go past without using it.

Don't confuse with

pass bypass round

Pass by means move past a point without stopping. Pass round means send something from person to person in a group.

Test yourself

“We passed by the old church.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

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

pass round

A contrast learners often mix up

Send something from person to person in a group

drive by

Same by pattern: passing

Move past a place in a vehicle

fly by

Same by pattern: passing

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

go by

Same by pattern: time passing

Of time, pass or elapse; Use a rule, name, or evidence as your guide; Use a particular name

roll by

Same by pattern: time passing

Of time, pass smoothly and continuously

run by

Same by pattern: passing

Move past on foot at speed; Present an idea to someone and ask for their opinion

rush by

Same by pattern: passing

Move past at speed in a hurry

sail by

Same by pattern: passing

Move past gracefully or apparently without effort

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