Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Pass By'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pass by' means to move past something or somewhere, often referring to the passage of time or a missed opportunity.

Examples in context

As life passed by, we learned to cherish every moment more deeply.
The train swiftly passed by, leaving a trail of dust.
Opportunities often pass by unnoticed if we're not vigilant.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pass by' means to move past something or somewhere, often referring to the passage of time or a missed opportunity.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

'Pass by' cannot be split by additional words.

Neutral

It is used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object for complete meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	pass by	Cars frequently pass by our house.
Past Simple	passed by	Several opportunities passed by unnoticed.
Present Continuous	passing by	She is passing by the shops right now.
Present Perfect	have passed by	Years have passed by without much change.

💡 When to Use

Observing movement

Use when describing the motion of people, objects, or time moving past a stationary point.

Example: "A parade passed by while we waited."

Describing unnoticed events

Use to indicate an event or opportunity that was not capitalized on or fully recognized.

Example: "A chance for promotion passed by him."

Reflecting on time

Employed when discussing the passage of time, often in a contemplative sense.

Example: "The summer days have passed by swiftly."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong tense usage

❌ Wrong: He is pass by our house.

✅ Correct: He is passing by our house.

💡 Tip: Check the verb tense for continuous actions.

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: The children by pass the park.

✅ Correct: The children pass by the park.

💡 Tip: Ensure the verb and preposition are together.

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: We just waited and pass by.

✅ Correct: We just waited and pass by the time.

💡 Tip: Remember to include an object or an implied event.

Practice

PASS BY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

As life passed by, we learned to cherish every moment more deeply.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The train swiftly passed by, leaving a trail of dust.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Opportunities often pass by unnoticed if we're not vigilant.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

go by move past

Antonyms

approach

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"As the parade ___, we waved enthusiastically."

pass on

pass by

past by

passes

"In the grand tapestry of life, moments may pass by unnoticed, yet they weave the very fabric of our existence."

In Context

In 1776, as the tension burgeoned in the American colonies, a young soldier named John watched the tumultuous events unfold around him. The bustling towns were often the backdrop as regiments would pass by, with their rhythm of marching boots echoing the growing unrest. John, stationed at a strategic outpost, observed how crucial moments would pass by, with decisions made by leaders far away. During the harsh winter at Valley Forge, he witnessed fellow soldiers pondering their sacrifices as opportunities to return home passed by. With spring's arrival, when the chance to fight at nearby battles emerged, John knew these moments were history in the making. Years later, reflecting on his experiences, John realized how small actions, conversations, and encounters often passed by without real acknowledgment, yet contributed significantly to the broader tapestry of the American Revolution. Through observing how life passed by, John grew resilient and insightful, eventually contributing to the freshly conceived country's founding documents. The very essence of freedom passed by in ordinary and extraordinary exchanges, shaping the destiny of a nation forever influenced by the bravery and perseverance of those who refused to let the future simply pass by.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pass By

What is the origin of pass by?

The phrasal verb 'pass by' originates from Middle English, where 'pass' meant to go or move, combined with 'by' as a preposition to indicate nearness.

Can pass by be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'pass by' is versatile and can be used in both formal written and informal spoken contexts to describe movement or the passage of time.

What is the difference between pass by and go by?

'Pass by' suggests a brief movement past something, often unexpectedly, while 'go by' can denote a planned route or the passage of time.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

PASS BY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pass By

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega