What are the definitions of “sit by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not try to stop something.
I can't SIT BY while they are punished wrongly.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sit by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sit by is to not take action or not try to stop something from happening, especially when someone is being treated unfairly or something wrong is happening.
What are the different verb forms of “sit by”?
| Root Verb | sit by |
| Third Person Singular Present | sits by |
| Present Participle | sitting by |
| Simple Past | sat by |
| Past Participle | sat by |
Example
I can't sit by and watch them suffer.
Example
She sits by and does nothing while her friends are in trouble.
Example
He is sitting by while his team struggles to complete the project.
Example
They sat by and let the injustice happen.
Example
He had sat by and allowed the situation to worsen.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sit 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
“sit 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
I can't sit by while they are punished wrongly.
Example
She sat by and watched the whole thing happen.
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
“sit 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
I can't sit by while they are punished wrongly.
Example
She sat by and watched the whole thing happen.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sit by”?
Good things to know
Does “sit by” have an informal or formal tone?
Sit 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, depending on the specific context.
