time passes
The weekend seemed to go by so quickly.
go by — 3 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb3 meanings
go bysame phrase
Which one do you mean?
be guided by
I usually go by the instructions when assembling furniture.
use as identity
Although her full name is Alexandra, she goes by Alex at work.
Unlock the practice layer
Free: compare the meanings and see one natural example. Pro adds deeper examples, listening, saved confusing meanings, and review.
Meanings in detail
1. time passes
B1neutralboth
to describe how time passes, especially when it seems to move quickly or slowly.
The weekend seemed to go by so quickly.
Pro depth
Unlock deeper examples, listening, common mistakes, and review with Pro.
Sign in to unlock2. be guided by
B2neutralboth
to use something, such as information or rules, to make a decision or form an opinion.
I usually go by the instructions when assembling furniture.
Pro depth
Unlock deeper examples, listening, common mistakes, and review with Pro.
Sign in to unlock3. use as identity
C1neutralboth
to be known or called by a particular name or alias, especially one that is different from your official or original name.
Although her full name is Alexandra, she goes by Alex at work.
Pro depth
Unlock deeper examples, listening, common mistakes, and review with Pro.
Sign in to unlockTurn this confusion into speaking practice
Practise one meaning at a time, save confusing meanings, review later, and listen to natural examples when generated audio is ready.