English Reference

Phrasal verb

brush by

Definition

phrasal verb. To pass very close to someone or something, often touching them lightly as you go. You use this when there is almost no space between you and the other person.

phrasal verb. To pass someone or something with a glancing physical contact. The verb is typically used intransitively or followed by a prepositional object.

Examples

“He brushed by me in the hallway without saying hello.”

“As the crowd pushed toward the exit, several people brushed by her, nearly knocking her bag off her shoulder.”

“The cyclist brushed by the parked cars with such speed that the side mirrors vibrated in his wake.”

Examples

simple

“He brushed by me in the hallway without saying hello.”

contextual

“As the crowd pushed toward the exit, several people brushed by her, nearly knocking her bag off her shoulder.”

complex

“The cyclist brushed by the parked cars with such speed that the side mirrors vibrated in his wake.”

Usage

Usually followed by a person or a physical object to describe a near-miss or light contact.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'brush against', which suggests a more static or lingering contact, whereas 'brush by' emphasizes the motion of passing.

Pitfall

He brushed by to me.

He brushed by me.

The phrase does not require an additional preposition like 'to' before the object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

by

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

brush + by + object

Synonyms

passgrazesweep pastskirt

Antonyms

avoidkeep clear of

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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