English Reference

Phrasal verb

stop by

Definition

phrasal verb. to visit a place or a person for a short time, usually while you are going somewhere else.

phrasal verb. to make a brief, often informal or spontaneous visit to a location or person, typically as an intermediate stop during a journey.

Examples

“I will stop by your office later today.”

“Since I was already in the neighborhood, I decided to stop by my parents' house for a quick coffee.”

“The candidate intended to stop by the local community center to address voters' concerns before continuing to the evening's primary gala.”

Examples

simple

“I will stop by your office later today.”

contextual

“Since I was already in the neighborhood, I decided to stop by my parents' house for a quick coffee.”

complex

“The candidate intended to stop by the local community center to address voters' concerns before continuing to the evening's primary gala.”

Usage

often followed by a location or a person's house; implies the visit is not the main purpose of the day.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'drop by' and 'swing by', which are even more informal; 'stop by' is the standard neutral choice for a brief visit.

Pitfall

I will stop by to your house.

I will stop by your house.

the preposition 'to' is not used after 'stop by' when followed by a destination.

Phrasal verb

Particles

by

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

stop + by + object

Synonyms

Antonyms

Grammar

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference