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pass by — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 to go past someone or somethingTo move near and go past a person, place, or thing, usually while continuing in the same direction.
  2. 2 miss an opportunityTo fail to take advantage of an opportunity or allow it to go unnoticed or unused.
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1

to go past someone or something

B1pass by sb/sthspokenMost common

To move near and go past a person, place, or thing, usually while continuing in the same direction.

I saw her pass by my house on her way to work this morning.

A: Did you see Tom today?
B: Yeah, he passed by the café but didn’t come in.

During my commute, I pass by several interesting buildings every day.

Common mistake

✗I passed by from the shop on my way.

✓I passed by the shop on my way.

'Pass by' takes the place directly — no 'from'.

Tell it apart

I passed by the bakery.

went past it

I passed out at the bakery.

fainted there
'Pass by' is used when you move past something without stopping. It does not mean to enter or visit.Not the same as 'pass away' (to die) or 'pass out' (to faint).

Often paired with

pass by
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2

miss an opportunity

C1let/allow sth to pass byspoken

To fail to take advantage of an opportunity or allow it to go unnoticed or unused.

Don't let this chance pass by—you might not get another one.

A: Did you apply for that scholarship?
B: No, I let it pass by. I wasn't sure I was ready.

Many people regret letting valuable opportunities pass by due to fear or indecision.

Common mistake

✗Don't let the chance pass by you.

✓Don't let the chance pass you by.

Word order — 'pass you by', not 'pass by you'.

Tell it apart

I let the chance pass me by.

missed the opportunity

I watched the parade pass by.

physically go past
'Pass by' in this sense is used in both spoken and written English to talk about opportunities or chances that are not taken. It is neutral in register and often appears in advice or reflection.Unlike the B1 sense, which is about physically moving past something, this sense is figurative and refers to not taking advantage of an opportunity.

Often paired with

let something pass you by
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to go past someone or somethingmiss an opportunity