Phrasal verbs "pass by" vs "pass through"

Differences between pass by and pass through

Pass by means to go past a place or person without stopping, while pass through means to go from one side of an area or place to the other side.

Meanings and Definitions: pass by vs pass through

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

Pass through

  • 1Visit a place without stopping or only stopping briefly.

    I didn't see much as I was only PASSING THROUGH the town.

Usage Examples: pass by, pass through in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pass by

Example

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

Example

She passes by the bakery every morning.

pass through

Example

We will pass through the city on our way to the beach.

Example

She passes through the park every morning on her way to work.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass by

To move past something or someone without stopping.

Example

I always go past the library on my way to work.

To walk past something or someone without stopping.

Example

I saw him walking by the park yesterday.

To drive past something or someone without stopping.

Example

We drove past the store on our way to the mall.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass through

To travel from one side of an area or place to the other side.

Example

We traveled across the country to visit our relatives.

To cross from one side of an area or place to the other side.

Example

We crossed over the bridge to get to the other side of the river.

To move from one side of an area or place to the other side.

Example

We moved through the crowd to get to the front of the stage.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pass”

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: pass by or pass through?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversations, but pass by is used more frequently. It's often used to describe daily routines such as passing by a coffee shop on the way to work. Pass through is less common and is usually used when describing a journey or a specific location.

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

Both pass by and pass through are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, if you're in a formal setting, it's better to use alternative expressions to convey a more professional tone.

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

The tone of pass by and pass through can differ based on context. Pass by often carries a neutral or indifferent tone, while pass through can have a more purposeful or intentional tone.

pass by & pass through: Synonyms and Antonyms

Pass by

Synonyms

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

Pass through

Synonyms

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