Walk By – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever passed a bakery and smelled fresh bread as you strolled past? Or seen a friend across the street but kept walking because you were running late? In English, you’d say you walked by the bakery or your friend. This simple phrasal verb means to go past someone or something while walking—without stopping or interacting.
What Does “Walk By” Mean?
“Walk by” means to pass by someone or something on foot without stopping. Think of it like moving through a scene while the world stays still—you’re just passing through. The phrase isn’t about purpose or emotion; it’s a neutral description of movement.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or descriptive conversations when talking about daily routines, city life, or chance sightings. It’s common in storytelling (“I walked by the old school and felt nostalgic”) or giving directions (“You’ll walk by a red mailbox before the turn”). This phrasal verb is informal but clear—great for everyday English.
Example Sentences
- I walk by the park every morning on my way to work.
- She waved as I walked by her office window.
- Don’t just walk by—say hello if you see me!
- He walked by the store three times before noticing it was closed.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Did you see the street performer downtown?”
Jamie: “Yes! I walked by just as he started juggling fire!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “walk by” with “walk past.” They’re often interchangeable, but “walk by” feels slightly more casual and is more commonly used in American English. Also, avoid using it when you stop or interact—“walk by” implies you kept moving.
❌ Don’t say: “I walked by and bought a coffee.” (You stopped—so “walked past” or just “went to” works better.)
✅ Do say: “I walked by the café and saw they had a new sign.”
Practice Tip
Next time you pass a landmark, store, or person on your walk, say: “I walked by the [place/person].” It’s a natural way to describe your route in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “walk by” to describe your daily movements with ease and clarity! It’s a quiet but useful phrase that captures the rhythm of walking through life. Keep using it—and notice all the little things you pass by each day.