In 15 Seconds
- Use it to describe time passing quickly or slowly.
- Use it to introduce your favorite nickname to others.
- Use it when following specific rules or instructions.
Meaning
This phrase is most commonly used to describe time passing by or to explain the name someone prefers to use instead of their official one.
Key Examples
3 of 6Chatting about the weekend
The weekend went by so fast!
مرت عطلة نهاية الأسبوع بسرعة كبيرة!
Introducing yourself
My name is Robert, but I go by Bob.
اسمي روبرت، لكني أُدعى بوب.
In a professional meeting
We need to go by the company guidelines.
يجب أن نسير وفقاً لإرشادات الشركة.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Western focus on the linear progression of time. It became a staple in pop culture through classic songs like 'As Time Goes By' from the movie Casablanca. In modern social settings, using 'I go by...' is a standard way to assert personal identity or gender preferences.
The Nickname Trick
If your name is hard for locals to pronounce, just say 'I go by...' followed by a simpler name. It makes you sound very fluent and confident.
Don't confuse with 'Go past'
Use `go past` for physical locations like 'I went past the bank'. Use `go by` for time and abstract rules.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to describe time passing quickly or slowly.
- Use it to introduce your favorite nickname to others.
- Use it when following specific rules or instructions.
What It Means
Go by is a versatile phrase. It usually describes how time moves forward. Think of it like a car passing your window. It also describes following a set of rules. Finally, it explains what people call you. It is simple but very common.
How To Use It
When talking about time, just say time goes by. You can add an adverb like quickly or slowly. If you use it for names, say I go by [Name]. This tells people your nickname. For rules, say I go by the book. This means you follow every single instruction perfectly.
When To Use It
Use it when you feel like the weekend ended too fast. Use it at a party when introducing yourself with a nickname. It is great for work when explaining your process. It works well in texts when you are waiting for someone. It feels natural in almost any daily conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical movement of people in a crowd. Use pass by for that instead. Avoid using it for deep scientific explanations of time. It is a bit too casual for a physics paper. Don't use it if you are literally driving past a house. Say drive by to be more specific.
Cultural Background
English speakers are obsessed with how fast time moves. Phrases like time flies or as the years go by are everywhere in songs. Using go by for nicknames is a very friendly, Western social habit. It shows you are approachable and relaxed about your identity. It’s a way to bridge the gap between formal and informal.
Common Variations
Pass by is the closest cousin. Abide by is a more formal version for rules. Go by the name of is a bit more mysterious or formal. You might hear letting something go by. This means you chose to ignore a small mistake. It’s a very flexible tool for your vocabulary.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for both work and social life. Just remember that 'went by' is the past tense, and 'goes by' is used for the present.
The Nickname Trick
If your name is hard for locals to pronounce, just say 'I go by...' followed by a simpler name. It makes you sound very fluent and confident.
Don't confuse with 'Go past'
Use `go past` for physical locations like 'I went past the bank'. Use `go by` for time and abstract rules.
The 'By the Book' idiom
In US office culture, if someone says they 'go by the book,' they are likely very serious and don't like breaking rules. Don't ask them for favors that skip steps!
Examples
6The weekend went by so fast!
مرت عطلة نهاية الأسبوع بسرعة كبيرة!
Describes time passing quickly.
My name is Robert, but I go by Bob.
اسمي روبرت، لكني أُدعى بوب.
Used for nicknames.
We need to go by the company guidelines.
يجب أن نسير وفقاً لإرشادات الشركة.
Means following rules.
An hour went by and he still hasn't called.
مرت ساعة ولم يتصل بعد.
Expressing impatience or observation of time.
My diet went by the wayside as soon as I saw the pizza.
ذهبت حميتي في مهب الريح بمجرد رؤية البيتزا.
A variation meaning something was ignored or lost.
As the years go by, we realize what matters most.
مع مرور السنين، ندرك ما هو الأكثر أهمية.
Used for long periods of time.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to describe a nickname.
My full name is Catherine, but I ___ Cat.
We use `go by` to indicate a preferred name or nickname.
Complete the sentence about time.
The hours ___ while we were playing video games.
`Went by` is the past tense used to describe time passing.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Go By'
Using nicknames with friends.
I go by 'Z'.
Talking about time passing.
The day went by.
Following strict regulations.
Go by the regulations.
Where to use 'Go By'
Time
Days go by.
Identity
I go by Alex.
Rules
Go by the book.
Judgment
Go by appearances.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesMy full name is Catherine, but I ___ Cat.
We use `go by` to indicate a preferred name or nickname.
The hours ___ while we were playing video games.
`Went by` is the past tense used to describe time passing.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it also means to be known by a name or to follow a specific rule. For example, I go by Mike or We go by the rules.
It depends on the subject. Use Time goes by (singular) but The years go by (plural).
Yes, you can say The bus went by without stopping. It works for physical objects passing a point.
It's better to use known as or adhere to on a resume. Go by is slightly more conversational.
That is a different idiom meaning something has been ignored or lost. Stick to go by for time and names.
You can ask, What name do you go by? It's a very polite and natural way to ask.
Yes, but it's more common to say Time is flying or simply Time goes by.
Mostly, yes. Time passed and Time went by are interchangeable in most contexts.
The past tense is went by. For example: The summer went by too fast.
Yes, you can say Don't go by what he says which means don't base your judgment on his words.
Related Phrases
Pass by
To move past a physical location.
Go by the book
To follow rules strictly.
Time flies
Time passes very quickly.
Abide by
To accept or follow a decision or rule.
