Differences between pass by and pass up

Pass by means to go past something or someone without stopping, while pass up means to decline or reject an opportunity or offer.

Meanings and Definitions: pass by vs pass up

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 up

1Decline a chance.
She PASSED UP the opportunity to go to university because she'd been offered a job.

Usage Examples: pass by, pass up 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 up

Example

I decided to pass up the job offer because it was too far from home.

Example

He passes up the chance to travel because he is afraid of flying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass by

go past

To move beyond or travel past a specific location or object.

Example

We need to go past the traffic light to reach the park.

walk by

To pass or move past someone or something while walking.

Example

She didn't even walk by me when I was waiting for her at the station.

drive past

To pass or move past someone or something while driving.

Example

We had to drive past the construction site to get to the office.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass up

turn down

To reject or decline an offer or opportunity.

Example

He had to turn down the job offer because it didn't align with his career goals.

miss out on

To fail to take advantage of an opportunity or experience.

Example

I missed out on the chance to see my favorite band live because I didn't buy tickets in time.

let slip away

To allow an opportunity to pass without taking action or making a decision.

Example

She let the opportunity slip away by not submitting her application before the deadline.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pass”

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: pass by or pass up?

In daily conversation, people use pass by more often than pass up. This is because pass by is used for more routine actions such as walking or driving past something. Pass up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about missed opportunities or decisions. So, while both phrases are used, pass by is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Pass by and pass up 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 pass by and pass up

The tone of pass by and pass up can differ based on context. Pass by often carries a neutral or observational tone when referring to physical movement, while pass up typically has a regretful or disappointed tone, especially when referring to missed opportunities.

pass by & pass up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Pass by

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

Pass up

Synonyms

refuse
reject
forgo
miss
skip
neglect
decline
turn down

Antonyms