Differences between drop by and pass by

Drop by and pass by are both used to describe visiting someone or somewhere, but there is a subtle difference in their meaning. Drop by implies a short visit, usually unplanned or informal, while pass by suggests a brief stop on the way to another destination.

Meanings and Definitions: drop by vs pass by

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Drop by

1Pay a brief visit.
He DROPPED BY on his way home from work.

Pass by

1Go past without stopping.
I was just PASSING BY when I saw the accident.
2Visit briefly.
I was PASSING BY her house the other day when I heard about it.
3Miss an opportunity.
The chance for promotion PASSED me BY.

Usage Examples: drop by, pass by in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

drop by

Example

I will drop by your house after work.

Example

She drops by her parents' house every weekend.

pass by

Example

I always pass by the park on my way to work.

Example

She passes by the bakery every morning.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drop by

pop in

To make a brief and unexpected visit to someone or somewhere.

Example

I'm going to pop in at my friend's house on my way home from work.

swing by

To visit someone or somewhere briefly while on the way to another destination.

Example

I need to swing by the bank before heading to the grocery store.

stop over

To make a brief visit or stay somewhere during a journey or trip.

Example

We're going to stop over at my aunt's house for the night on our way to the beach.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass by

drop in

To visit someone or somewhere briefly, usually without prior notice.

Example

I might drop in at the office to say hello to my colleagues.

call in

To visit someone or somewhere briefly, usually to deliver or pick up something.

Example

I need to call in at the post office to pick up a package.

pay a visit

To visit someone or somewhere, usually for social or personal reasons.

Example

I'm planning to pay a visit to my grandparents this weekend.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “drop”

Phrasal Verbs with “pass”

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

Differences in drop by vs pass by: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: drop by or pass by?

Both drop by and pass by are common in everyday conversation, but drop by is slightly more common in American English, while pass by is more commonly used in British English.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of drop by and pass by

Both drop by and pass by are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of drop by and pass by

The tone of drop by and pass by can differ based on context. Drop by often carries a friendly and spontaneous tone, while pass by can have a more neutral or matter-of-fact tone.

drop by & pass by: Synonyms and Antonyms

Drop by

Synonyms

visit
stop by
call in
come by
swing by
pop in

Antonyms

Pass by

Synonyms

go past
move past
walk past
drive past
proceed past
travel past

Antonyms