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Phrasal verbs "drive by" vs "slip by"

Differences between drive by and slip by

Drive by means to pass by a place or person while driving, whereas slip by means to pass by unnoticed or without being detected.

Meanings and Definitions: drive by vs slip by

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Drive by

  • 1Do something out of a car.

    He was killed in a DRIVE - BY shooting.

Slip by

  • 1Pass quickly ( time ).

    The years SLIP BY as you get older.

  • 2Lose an opportunity or the chance of winning, succeeding, etc.

    He didn't follow the offer up and let it SLIP BY.

Usage Examples: drive by, slip by in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

drive by

Example

We often drive by the park on our way home.

Example

She drives by the old house every day to check on it.

slip by

Example

The days slip by so quickly when you're on vacation.

Example

Time slips by when you're having fun.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drive by

pass by

To go past or move beyond a place or person.

Example

I usually pass by the park on my way home from work.

cruise by

To drive or sail by a place in a relaxed or leisurely manner.

Example

We decided to cruise by the beach before heading back home.

swing by

To stop briefly at a place or person while on the way to another destination.

Example

I need to swing by the store to pick up some groceries before heading home.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Slip by

go unnoticed

To not be seen or detected by someone.

Example

The typo in the report went unnoticed until it was too late to fix.

pass unnoticed

To go by without being noticed or attracting attention.

Example

The thief was able to pass unnoticed through the crowded market and escape with the stolen goods.

slip through the cracks

To be overlooked or neglected due to a lack of attention or resources.

Example

Some students slip through the cracks of the education system and don't receive the support they need to succeed.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

Differences in drive by vs slip by: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: drive by or slip by?

In daily conversation, people use drive by more often than slip by. This is because drive by is used for more routine activities such as passing by a friend's house or driving through a neighborhood. Slip by is not used as much and is more specific to situations where something goes unnoticed. So, while both phrases are used, drive by is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of drive by and slip by

Drive by and slip by are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of drive by and slip by

The tone of drive by and slip by can differ based on context. Drive by often carries a neutral or casual tone when referring to passing by a location or person. Slip by typically has a more negative or regretful tone, especially when referring to missed opportunities or unnoticed events.

drive by & slip by: Synonyms and Antonyms

Drive by

Synonyms

  • pass by
  • go past
  • cruise by
  • ride by

Slip by

Antonyms

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