pass by — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

pass by

go past someone or something miss an opportunity

Meaning 1 · most common

go past someone or something

pass by sb/sth

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

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

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.

Common mistake

Not: I passed by ~~from~~ the shop on my way.

Say: I passed by the shop on my way.

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

More on “go past someone or something”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

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

Tell it apart

I passed by the bakery.

went past it

I passed out at the bakery.

fainted there

Goes with

pass by

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Next meaning: miss an opportunity

Meaning 2

miss an opportunity

let/allow sth to pass by

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

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

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.

Common mistake

Not: Don't let the chance pass ~~by you.~~

Say: Don't let the chance pass you by.

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

More on “miss an opportunity”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

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

Tell it apart

I let the chance pass me by.

missed the opportunity

I watched the parade pass by.

physically go past

Goes with

let something pass you by

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go past someone or something miss an opportunity