What does the phrasal verb “swing by” mean?

What are the definitions of “swing by”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Visit a person or place on your way somewhere.

  I will SWING BY this afternoon and pick you up.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “swing by”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb swing by is to visit a person or place briefly while you are on your way to another destination. It often implies that the visit is quick and not the main purpose of the trip.

What are the different verb forms of “swing by”?

Root Verb	swing by
Third Person Singular Present	swings by
Present Participle	swinging by
Simple Past	swung by
Past Participle	swung by

Example

I will swing by the store on my way home.

Example

She swings by her parents' house every weekend.

Example

He is swinging by the office to pick up some documents.

Example

Yesterday, they swung by the bakery to get some bread.

Example

We have swung by the library to return the books.

What kind of phrasal verb is “swing by”?

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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

“swing 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

Can you swing by my place later?

Example

I swung by the post office on my way to work.

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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

“swing 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

Can you swing by my place later?

Example

I swung by the post office on my way to work.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “swing by”?

Swing by for a visit

To visit someone briefly, often without a specific purpose or plan.

Example

If you're in the neighborhood, feel free to swing by for a visit.

Swing by to pick up

To briefly visit a place in order to collect something or someone.

Example

I need to swing by the pharmacy to pick up my prescription.

Swing by after work

To visit a place or person after finishing work for the day.

Example

I'll swing by your office after work to discuss the project.

Good things to know

Does “swing by” have an informal or formal tone?

Swing by is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'stop by' or 'visit briefly' can be used.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “swing by”?

Synonyms

• stop by
• drop by
• drop in
• visit briefly
• pass by
• call in

Antonyms

• avoid
• bypass
• ignore
• skip
• miss
• stay away