Meaning trap
pass by
to go past someone or something
To move near and go past a person, place, or thing, usually while continuing in the same direction.
phrasal verbB1common
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to go past someone or something
To move near and go past a person, place, or thing, usually while continuing in the same direction.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- I saw her pass by my house on her way to work this morning.daily life
- During my commute, I pass by several interesting buildings every day.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: pass by (someone/something)
WrongI passed by from the shop on my way.
RightI passed by the shop on my way.
'Pass by' takes the place directly — no 'from'.
Patternpass by (someone/something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Traverse the area in front of your residence' is absurd; 'pass by' is plain.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
pass bypass bypassing byjust passingpass by the
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'pass away' (to die) or 'pass out' (to faint).