1 B2 neutral
To continue moving past something or someone without stopping.
"The bus went on by without stopping because the driver didn't see us."
inseparable
go on by
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To continue moving past something or someone without stopping.
In plain English
To keep going and not stop, even though something is there.
What does "go on by" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
(American English, especially Southern) used to tell someone to proceed or go ahead.
"Don't wait for me — go on by, I'll catch up with you later."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To continue going and pass by — fully transparent and literal.
Actually means
To keep going and not stop, even though something is there.
Usage tip
More common in American English, particularly in Southern US dialects, where it can also be used as a polite dismissal or an invitation to proceed ('just go on by'). Also used in standard contexts to describe someone or something moving past without stopping.
Words that pair with "go on by"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
car crowd chance window opportunity people
How to conjugate "go on by"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go on by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes on by
he/she/it
Past simple
went on by
yesterday
Past participle
gone on by
have + pp
-ing form
going on by
continuous
Hear "go on by" in the wild
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Other ways to say "go on by"
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