Phrasal verb
stand by
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
stand by
Past
stood by
Past participle
stood by
Definition
phrasal verb. to stay loyal to someone or support them, especially when they are in a difficult situation. You can also use this to mean you are ready and waiting to take action if needed.
phrasal verb. to remain loyal to a person or principle, particularly during adversity; alternatively, to remain in a state of readiness for immediate action. The loyalty sense is transitive, while the readiness sense is typically intransitive.
Examples
“I will stand by you no matter what happens.”
“Despite the scandal, the senator's wife decided to stand by him and support his re-election campaign.”
“The rescue teams were instructed to stand by at the edge of the disaster zone until the storm subsided and it was safe to enter.”
Examples
simple
“I will stand by you no matter what happens.”
contextual
“Despite the scandal, the senator's wife decided to stand by him and support his re-election campaign.”
complex
“The rescue teams were instructed to stand by at the edge of the disaster zone until the storm subsided and it was safe to enter.”
Usage
when meaning 'to support', it requires an object; when meaning 'to wait', it is used alone.
Teaching tip
contrast the loyalty sense with 'stick by' (more informal) and the readiness sense with 'wait' (less active); note that 'standby' as a single word is a noun or adjective.
Pitfall
He stood by his promise to helping me.
He stood by his promise to help me.
the phrase 'stand by' is followed by a noun or a standard infinitive clause, not a gerund.
Phrasal verb
Particles
by
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
stand + by (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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