Meaning trap

go by

use as identity

to be known or called by a particular name or alias, especially one that is different from your official or original name.

phrasal verbC1occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

use as identity

to be known or called by a particular name or alias, especially one that is different from your official or original name.

go by (time passes)

'go by' also has the more basic meaning 'time passes'; this is the advanced sense.

View meaning map

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

Although her full name is Alexandra, she goes by Alex at work.identity
In many cultures, individuals may go by a nickname or a shortened version of their name in professional or social settings.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: go by + name/alias

WrongShe goes by with the name Liz.

RightShe goes by Liz.

'Go by + name' directly — no 'with the name'.

Patterngo by + name/alias

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He is professionally known under the name Jack.

Natural He goes by Jack.

'Go by (a name)' is the natural way to say what someone's called. The formal version is wordy.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

go by + name
his middle namea nicknameJackjust one name

Don't confuse it

This sense is different from 'go by' meaning 'be guided by' (to use information/rules to decide) and 'time passes'. Here, it refers to the name someone uses or is known by, not to decision-making or the passage of time.

go by (time passes) — 'go by' also has the more basic meaning 'time passes'; this is the advanced sense.

Try it in Daily Speak →