# go by

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/go-by
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to pass in space or time; you use this when time moves forward or when someone or something moves past you.

For teachers: to pass or elapse, typically in reference to time or physical movement; can also function as a copular verb meaning to be known by a specific name.

## Examples

- The years go by so quickly when you are busy.
- I stood on the corner and watched the parade go by for over an hour.
- As the decades go by, the architectural landscape of the city continues to evolve into something unrecognizable to its older residents.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The time goes by fastly." but "The time goes by fast." — while 'go by' is correct, it is often paired with the adverb 'fast' rather than 'fastly', which is not a standard English word.

## Usage notes

- often used with time-related nouns like 'days', 'weeks', or 'years' as the subject.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'pass' (more formal) and 'elapse' (technical/academic); note that 'go by' is also used for names, as in 'he goes by the name of Jack'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.