What are the definitions of “go by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go by is the passing of time. It is often used to express how time moves forward. For example, it can be used to describe how quickly a day, a month, or a year passes.
What are the different verb forms of “go by”?
| Root Verb | go by |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes by |
| Present Participle | going by |
| Simple Past | went by |
| Past Participle | gone by |
Example
The days go by so quickly when you're having fun.
Example
Time goes by so fast when you're busy.
Example
She is going by the old house to see if it's still there.
Example
A week went by without any news from him.
Example
Many years have gone by since we last met.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go by”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“go by” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The days go by so quickly.
Example
Time goes by so fast when you're busy.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“go by” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The days go by so quickly.
Example
Time goes by so fast when you're busy.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go by”?
Good things to know
Does “go by” have an informal or formal tone?
Go by is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal speech and writing. For example, in a formal setting, one might say 'a decade has passed' instead of 'a decade has gone by'.
