What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
passerby
Example
The passerby stopped to ask for directions. [passerby: noun]
Example
We saw several passersby on our walk through the park. [passersby: plural noun]
onlooker
Example
The onlookers watched as the firefighters put out the fire. [onlookers: plural noun]
Example
She stood by as an onlooker, too afraid to intervene. [onlooker: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Passerby is more commonly used than onlooker in everyday language. Passerby is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while onlooker is less common and may have a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between passerby and onlooker?
Both passerby and onlooker are neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
