What Does "Pass by" Mean? Meaning, Examples & Usage

To go unnoticed or be missed (an opportunity, a moment), or, for time, to go by

Example sentence

Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

Real video usage

Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.

💡 PRO TIP: Turn on captions (CC) and slow the video down. Click the ⚙️ gear on the video, choose Playback speed, then pick 0.75 or 0.5.

Clip 1

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Clip 2

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Clip 3

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Common collocations

Natural word pairings to memorize.

Common pattern: let + something + pass (+ someone) + by

let it pass you by

life passes you by

years pass by

time passes by

feel like life is passing you by

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Separable usage

Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.

The years passed by quickly. ✅ (Correct)

The years passed quickly by. ❌ (Incorrect — inseparable, always stays together)

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Meaning 1 of 3

Definition

To go past a place or person without stopping

Example sentence

I pass by that bakery every morning on my way to work.

Real video usage

Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.

💡 PRO TIP: Turn on captions (CC) and slow the video down. Click the ⚙️ gear on the video, choose Playback speed, then pick 0.75 or 0.5.