"Pass by" is a versatile phrasal verb used primarily in informal speech, though it can appear in formal contexts depending on the subject matter. In general usage, it means to move past or go by something or someone, or can also mean to disregard or ignore something in various situations. Additionally, “pass by” is often employed when speaking about time, such as in phrases like "how time passes by," to indicate the swift or unnoticed passage of time. It might also be used in social contexts to imply visiting a place or person briefly but with less commitment than "stop by." Its informal usage makes it common in everyday conversation, storytelling, and casual writing, whereas in formal writing or speech, more specific verbs or phrases may be preferred unless the simplicity or casual tone is intended. It resonates with the transient, often unremarkable nature of the action it describes.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To move or travel past something or someone.
I watched the cars pass by from my window.
The train will pass by the station without stopping.
2. To overlook or ignore something.
He decided to pass by the opportunity, thinking it wasn't for him.
I can't believe you would pass by such an important detail.
3. To visit someone briefly without staying for long.
Can you pass by my house later for a quick chat?
I'll pass by the office to drop off the documents.