What Does “Go by sth” Mean?
“Go by sth” means to use something as a guide, rule, or standard when making decisions or judgments.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “go by sth” is commonly used in English to describe the act of following or relying on a particular rule, name, time, or piece of information. When you “go by” something, you accept it as the basis for your actions or opinions. Understanding the go by sth meaning helps learners use it correctly in everyday conversations and writing. This phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, such as following a schedule, using a nickname, or judging a situation based on certain facts. Knowing how to use “go by sth” well can make your English sound more natural and fluent.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: go by sth (go by something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To use something as a guide or standard
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Go by sth” is a transitive phrasal verb and is usually inseparable, meaning you cannot place the object between “go” and “by.” The structure is:
- Subject + go by + object (something)
Examples of correct patterns:
- We go by the rules.
- She goes by her middle name.
Note that “sth” stands for “something,” which can be a name, rule, time, or any other noun.
How to Use “Go by sth”?
You use “go by sth” when you want to express that you follow or rely on a specific standard, fact, or piece of information. It can refer to:
- Following rules or instructions
- Using a name or nickname
- Judging time or events based on a clock or schedule
- Making decisions based on certain information
Examples
Imagine you are deciding when to leave for a meeting. You might say:
- I usually go by the time on my watch.
- He goes by his middle name instead of his first name.
- We go by the company’s guidelines when handling customer complaints.
- She goes by what her teacher says during class.
- They go by the weather forecast before planning their trips.
These examples show how “go by sth” works in everyday situations.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners try to separate the phrasal verb by placing the object between “go” and “by,” which is incorrect.
- Incorrect: I go my watch by.
- Correct: I go by my watch.
Another mistake is confusing “go by” with other phrases like “go for” or “go with,” which have different meanings.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “follow,” “rely on,” and “judge by.” However, “go by” often suggests using something as a guide or standard rather than just following blindly.
- Go by – use as a standard or guide (e.g., go by the rules)
- Follow – act according to instructions or advice (e.g., follow the instructions)
- Rely on – depend on something or someone (e.g., rely on the data)
- Judge by – form an opinion based on evidence (e.g., judge by appearances)
While these overlap, “go by” emphasizes the act of using a particular piece of information as a reference point.
Common Collocations
Common nouns that go well with “go by” include:
- Rules – go by the rules (follow regulations)
- Name – go by a name (use a specific name)
- Time – go by the time (use a clock or schedule)
- Information – go by the information (use facts as a guide)
- Guidelines – go by the guidelines (follow instructions)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of go by sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “go by sth”:
Anna: How do you decide when to start the meeting?
Tom: I usually go by the official schedule on the calendar.
Anna: That makes sense. I sometimes just go by when most people arrive.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “go by”:
- We always _________ the instructions carefully before starting.
- She _________ her nickname instead of her full name.
- They _________ the clock to know when to leave.
FAQs
- Q: Can “go by” be used with people’s names?
A: Yes, it means to use that name as a reference or nickname. - Q: Is “go by” separable?
A: No, the object always comes after “go by.” - Q: What level is “go by sth” suitable for?
A: It is commonly used at the intermediate (B1) level. - Q: Can “go by” mean to pass quickly?
A: Yes, but that is a different meaning and context. - Q: How is “go by” different from “follow”?
A: “Go by” means using something as a standard, while “follow” means to act according to instructions.
