What are the definitions of “pass by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass by is to go past something or someone without stopping. It can be used to describe walking, driving, or any other form of movement where you don't stop at a specific location.
What are the different verb forms of “pass by”?
| Root Verb | pass by |
| Third Person Singular Present | passes by |
| Present Participle | passing by |
| Simple Past | passed by |
| Past Participle | passed by |
Example
I always pass by the park on my way to work.
Example
She passes by the bakery every morning.
Example
He is passing by the library on his way home.
Example
Yesterday, they passed by the old building.
Example
The parade passed by our house last weekend.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pass 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
“pass 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 bus passed by without stopping.
Example
Time passes by so quickly.
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
“pass 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 bus passed by without stopping.
Example
Time passes by so quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass by”?
Good things to know
Does “pass by” have an informal or formal tone?
Pass by is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
