go by

To move past a place or person, or to pass as time does.

• We watched the cars go by.
• The afternoon went by quickly.
• Several years have gone by since we last met.

Similar words: pass, go past

Common phrases: go by quickly, go by the house, watch people go by

To use a particular name, especially one different from your full or official name.

• He goes by Ben.
• Does she go by her full name at work?
• The singer went by a different name early in her career.

How to use it: go by + name (Her name is Elizabeth, but she goes by Liz.)

Similar words: be called, be known as

Common phrases: go by a nickname, go by another name

If something moves past you or a place, you see it pass.

• We watched the cars go by.
• The bus went by our house.
• Did you see a woman go by?

Similar words: pass, go past

Common phrases: go by someone, go by slowly, go by something