Differences between go by and swing by
Go by usually means to pass or move past a place, time, or event, whereas swing by generally means to stop briefly at a place on the way to another destination.
Meanings and Definitions: go by vs swing by
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Go by
- 1The passing of time.
Ten years WENT BY before we saw each other again.
- 2Trust or depend on for correct information.
Don't GO BY my watch; it's usually a bit slow.
- 3Pay a short visit, call.
Nobody was at home when I WENT BY yesterday.
Swing by
- 1Visit a person or place on your way somewhere.
I will SWING BY this afternoon and pick you up.
Usage Examples: go by, swing by in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
go by
Example
The days go by so quickly when you're having fun.
Example
Time goes by so fast when you're busy.
swing by
Example
I will swing by the store on my way home.
Example
She swings by her parents' house every weekend.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go by
To pass or go by, especially in reference to time.
Example
Two years had elapsed since they last saw each other.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Swing by
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “swing”
- swing at
- swing around
- swing round
Differences in go by vs swing by: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go by or swing by?
In daily conversation, people use swing by more often than go by. This is because swing by is used for more casual and informal situations such as dropping by a friend's house or picking up something from a store. Go by is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about time or events that have passed. So, while both phrases are used, swing by is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go by and swing by
Go by and swing 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 go by and swing by
The tone of go by and swing by can differ based on context. Go by often carries a nostalgic or reflective tone when related to time or events that have passed, while swing by typically has a friendly and casual tone, especially when referring to stopping by a place on the way to another destination.
