What Does “Go past sb” Mean?
“Go past sb” means to move or walk beyond someone, usually by passing them physically. It can also mean to ignore or not consider someone’s opinion or request in some contexts.
Introduction
The phrase “Go past sb” is a common phrasal verb used in everyday English. It primarily describes the action of moving beyond a person, especially when walking, driving, or running. Understanding the “Go past sb meaning” helps learners use it naturally in conversations and writing. This phrase is simple but useful for describing physical movement and sometimes metaphorical situations, like ignoring someone’s advice. By learning how to use “Go past sb,” you can speak more fluently and understand native speakers better.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Go past somebody
- Type: Intransitive (usually), can be transitive in some contexts
- Level: A2
- Short meaning: To move beyond someone physically or ignore someone’s input
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Go past sb” is mostly inseparable, meaning you cannot put words between “go” and “past.” The structure is simple:
- Subject + go + past + somebody
Example: She went past me without saying hello.
It is usually intransitive because “go” does not take a direct object here, but “past somebody” acts as a prepositional phrase.
How to Use “Go past sb”?
You use “Go past sb” when you want to describe moving beyond someone physically. It often appears in contexts like walking, running, or driving. It can also be used metaphorically to describe ignoring or bypassing someone’s opinion or request.
For example, you might say, “I went past my neighbor on the street,” or “The manager went past the employee’s suggestion.”
Examples
Imagine you are walking down a busy street and you move beyond someone standing there. You can say:
- I went past the man waiting at the bus stop.
- She quickly went past her friends to catch the train.
- The car went past us very fast on the highway.
- He went past his teacher without noticing her.
- Sometimes, people go past their problems instead of facing them.
Here is “Go past sb in a sentence”: “I didn’t see you because you went past me so quickly.”
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse “Go past sb” with “Go by sb” or use incorrect word order. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: I went past quickly him.
Correct: I went past him quickly. - Incorrect: She goes by past her friend.
Correct: She goes past her friend. - Incorrect: We go past on the street.
Correct: We go past someone on the street.
Remember that “past” always follows “go” directly in this phrase.
Differences / Synonyms
“Go past sb” is similar to “pass by sb” or “walk past sb,” but there are subtle differences. “Pass by sb” often means moving close to someone without stopping, while “go past sb” emphasizes moving beyond them. “Walk past sb” specifically refers to walking, whereas “go past sb” can refer to any movement.
Example:
- He walked past the shop. (walking specifically)
- He went past the shop. (any movement, not just walking)
Common Collocations
The phrase “Go past” often pairs with people or places. Here are some common collocations:
- Go past someone (move beyond a person)
- Go past a building (move beyond a place)
- Go past a bus stop (move beyond a specific point)
- Go past traffic lights (move beyond a road signal)
- Go past an obstacle (move beyond something blocking the way)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of go past sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation where “go past sb” is used naturally:
Anna: Did you see John this morning?
Ben: I went past him on my way to work, but he didn’t notice me.
Anna: Maybe he was in a hurry and didn’t see you.
Practice
Try completing the sentences with “go past” and the correct pronoun or noun:
- I saw her, but she didn’t see me. She __________ me quickly.
- When you __________ the library, turn left.
- We __________ the old church on our way home.
- He didn’t stop; he just __________ his friends.
FAQs
- Q: Is “go past sb” formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can “go past sb” be used figuratively?
A: Yes, sometimes it means to ignore or bypass someone’s opinion. - Q: What is the difference between “go past sb” and “pass sb”?
A: “Pass sb” can mean overtaking someone, often in sports or driving, while “go past sb” focuses on moving beyond someone. - Q: Can I say “go past him quickly”?
A: Yes, this is a correct and natural sentence. - Q: Is “go past” separable?
A: No, “go past” is inseparable; you cannot split the verb and the particle.
