pass by

To move past a person or place without stopping.

• A red car passed by.
• We passed by the school on our way home.
• Did you see the woman who just passed by?

How to use it: pass by someone/something (A bus passed by our house.)

Similar words: pass, go past

Common phrases: pass by someone, pass by something

If time goes by, it continues moving forward.

• The hours passed by slowly.
• Ten years have passed by since we met.
• Time seems to pass by faster when you are busy.

Similar words: elapse, pass, go by

Common phrases: years pass by, hours pass by

To ignore someone or something, or leave them without a chance to benefit.

• Happiness seemed to pass her by.
• The committee passed his achievements by without a word.
• Do not let this opportunity pass you by.

How to use it: pass someone/something by (Good opportunities kept passing him by.)

Similar words: overlook, ignore, disregard

Common phrases: pass someone by, pass something by

To visit someone or somewhere for a short time.

• Pass by for coffee tomorrow.
• She passed by our house for a short visit.
• Could you pass by later and meet the baby?

How to use it: pass by somewhere (I will pass by your office for a quick chat.)

Similar words: drop by, stop by, call in

Common phrases: pass by later, pass by tomorrow