What are the definitions of “zip by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pass quickly.
The motorbike ZIPPED BY the cars stuck in the traffic jam.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “zip by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb zip by is to pass quickly or move rapidly past something or someone. It is often used to describe vehicles, people, or even time passing by at a fast pace.
What are the different verb forms of “zip by”?
| Root Verb | zip by |
| Third Person Singular Present | zips by |
| Present Participle | zipping by |
| Simple Past | zipped by |
| Past Participle | zipped by |
Example
The cars zip by on the highway.
Example
Time zips by when you're having fun.
Example
The train is zipping by the countryside.
Example
The skateboarder zipped by the pedestrians.
Example
The weekend zipped by too quickly.
What kind of phrasal verb is “zip 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
“zip 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 motorbike zipped by the cars stuck in the traffic jam.
Example
The days zip by so fast.
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
“zip 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 motorbike zipped by the cars stuck in the traffic jam.
Example
The days zip by so fast.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “zip by”?
Good things to know
Does “zip by” have an informal or formal tone?
Zip 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 writing or presentations.
