Pass by sth Meaning, Examples & How to Use in English

What Does “Pass by sth” Mean?

“Pass by sth” means to move past something without stopping or to go near something while traveling. It can also mean ignoring or overlooking something.

Introduction

The phrase “pass by sth” is a common English phrasal verb used in everyday conversations. It often describes the action of moving past a place, object, or event without stopping or paying attention. Understanding the pass by sth meaning helps learners describe movement or situations where something is overlooked or ignored. This phrase is useful for talking about physical movement, like walking or driving past a building, and abstract ideas, like passing by an opportunity or a problem. Knowing how to use “pass by sth” correctly will improve your speaking and writing skills by making your descriptions clearer and more natural.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: pass by something
• Type: intransitive (usually), can be transitive in some contexts
• Level: A2–B2
• Short meaning: move past or ignore something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Pass by sth” is generally inseparable, meaning you cannot place the object between “pass” and “by.”

• Correct: pass by the shop
• Incorrect: pass the shop by

It is mostly used as pass by + noun. The verb “pass” here does not take a direct object alone but works with the preposition “by” to complete the meaning.

How to Use “Pass by sth”?

You use “pass by sth” when you want to describe moving past a place or object without stopping. It can also mean to ignore or not notice something. This phrase fits well in both formal and informal situations.

• Physical movement: “We pass by the park every day on our way to school.”
• Ignoring something: “Don’t just pass by the problem; try to solve it.”

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “pass by sth in a sentence”:

• We usually pass by the bakery but never stop to buy anything.
• The opportunity to join the team should not be passed by lightly.
• She didn’t notice the sign as she passed by the street.
• Many people pass by the charity shop without realizing how much help it provides.
• Time seems to pass by quickly when you are busy.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse the word order or use “pass by” incorrectly. Here are some examples:

• Incorrect: I pass the shop by every day.
• Correct: I pass by the shop every day.
• Incorrect: She passed the opportunity by.
• Correct: She passed by the opportunity (meaning physically moving past it) or She let the opportunity pass by (meaning ignoring it).

Differences / Synonyms

“Pass by sth” is similar to “go past sth” or “walk past sth,” but there are subtle differences. “Go past” focuses more on movement, while “pass by” can also imply ignoring or overlooking.

• Go past sth: Emphasizes physical movement only.
• Pass by sth: Can mean physical movement or ignoring something.
• Walk past sth: Specifically about walking.

For example, “I walked past the store” means you physically moved by it, while “I passed by the problem” can mean you ignored it.

Common Collocations

Some common objects and phrases used with “pass by” include:

• pass by a building – move past a structure
• pass by a person – move past someone
• pass by an opportunity – ignore or miss a chance
• pass by a sign – move past a notice or advertisement
• pass by time – time moves forward

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of pass by sth:

• Pass Sth Off
• Pass Over Sb
• Pass Sb On To Sb
• Pass Sb Over
• Pass Sth By

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “pass by sth”:

Anna: Did you see the new café on Main Street?

Ben: No, I always pass by it quickly when I’m in a hurry.

Anna: You should stop one day; their coffee is great!

Ben: I will next time I don’t just pass by.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence:

• A) I pass the library by every day on my way to work.
• B) I pass by the library every day on my way to work.
• C) I pass by every day the library on my way to work.

Answer: B) I pass by the library every day on my way to work.

FAQs

• Q: Can “pass by sth” be used in the past tense?
  A: Yes, for example, “I passed by the museum yesterday.”
• Q: Is “pass by” separable or inseparable?
  A: It is inseparable; you cannot put the object between “pass” and “by.”
• Q: Can “pass by” mean ignoring something?
  A: Yes, it can mean to overlook or ignore.
• Q: What is the difference between “pass by” and “go past”?
  A: “Pass by” can mean ignoring, while “go past” only refers to physical movement.
• Q: Is “pass by” formal or informal?
  A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal English.