The words "pass" and "go by" can sometimes seem interchangeable, but they have distinct meanings. "Pass" typically refers to moving beyond something or surpassing a certain point, often implying a successful completion or overcoming of an obstacle. "Go by" means to move past a location or to elapse (referring to time). Let's delve into the nuances with examples.

When referring to objects or people moving past, we can see the difference. "The car passed me on the highway" means the car moved beyond me. The equivalent using "go by" would be "The car went by me on the highway." Both mean much the same. However, if we are discussing time, we can only use "go by." We can't say "Time passed me." Instead, we would say "Time went by." This highlights a key difference: "pass" can apply to successfully completing something, but "go by" mainly refers to the movement of time or objects.

Here are a few more examples:

• Pass an exam: To successfully complete an exam. (Successfully overcome a challenge)
• Pass a law: To make a law official. (Successfully implement something)
• Pass a comment: To make a brief remark. (A short action)
• Go by the river: To walk or drive past a river. (Moving past a location)
• The years went by quickly: Time elapsed rapidly. (Time passing)
• Let's go by the park: Let's walk or drive past the park. (Moving past a location)

Here are some sentences with translations to further clarify:

• English: "I passed the test." Translation: "I successfully completed the test."
• English: "The bus passed my house." Translation: "The bus went beyond my house."
• English: "The days went by so quickly." Translation: "Time passed rapidly."
• English: "We went by the bakery." Translation: "We went past the bakery."

Notice how "pass" often implies success or completion, whereas "go by" mostly describes the movement of objects or the passage of time. The context is key to understanding the correct usage of each word.

Happy learning!