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pass by

A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To walk, drive, or go past something without stopping there.

Literal meaning: To move past the side of something.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To move past a place or person without stopping.

"We passed by the old school and I felt a wave of nostalgia."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

(of time or opportunity) To go unnoticed or unused.

"Don't let this chance pass you by — it may never come again."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 informal

(informal, American English) To make a brief visit to a person or place.

"I'll pass by your office around noon to drop off those documents."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used in both literal (physical movement) and figurative (time, opportunity) senses. In the figurative sense, often used with 'let' ('don't let this opportunity pass you by'). Also used when making a quick, informal visit in American English.

Commonly used with

opportunity chance time window house shop

Forms

Base
pass by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes by
he/she/it
Past simple
passed by
yesterday
Past participle
passed by
have + pp
-ing form
passing by
continuous

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