go by

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Explanation of "Go By"

Definition: The phrase "go by" has a few meanings, but generally, it can mean to follow a rule or guideline, to be known by a certain name, or to move past something.

Usage Instructions:

1. Following a Rule or Guideline:

   • When you "go by" a rule, it means you act according to that rule.
   • Example: "If you go by the instructions, you will understand how to complete the project."

2. Being Known by a Certain Name:

   • You can "go by" a name or nickname that others use to refer to you.
   • Example: "She goes by the name of Sarah, but her full name is Sarah-Jane."

3. Moving Past or Passing:

   • To "go by" something can also mean to pass it while moving.
   • Example: "As we drove, we went by the old school where I used to study."

Advanced Usage:

• Time Passing: "Go by" can also be used to talk about time that has passed.
  • Example: "Three years went by quickly while I was in college."

Word Variants:

• Go By (Phrasal Verb): This is the main form. It can also be used in other contexts as part of idiomatic expressions or combined with other words.

Different Meanings:

1. Act in Accordance With:

   • Example: "You should go by the safety guidelines when working in the lab."

2. Be Called:

   • Example: "He goes by the nickname 'Ace' among his friends."

3. To Pass:

   • Example: "The train went by just as we arrived at the station."

Synonyms:

• For acting in accordance with: follow, adhere to, comply with.

  • Example: "If you follow this rule, you'll be safe."

• For being known by a name: known as, referred to as.

  • Example: "She is referred to as 'The Queen of Pop.'"

• For moving past: pass, go past, travel by.

  • Example: "We passed the bakery on our way home."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Let it go by: To allow something to pass without taking action.

  • Example: "I decided to let the comment go by and not respond."

• Go by the book: To do something according to the rules.

  • Example: "When it comes to safety, we always go by the book."

Summary:

The phrase "go by" is versatile and can be used in different contexts, including following rules, being known by a name, and moving past something.

Academic

Verb

1. be or act in accordance with
   • Go by this rule and you'll be safe
2. be called; go by a certain name
   • She goes by her maiden name again
3. move past
   • A black limousine passed by when she looked out the window
   • He passed his professor in the hall
   • One line of soldiers surpassed the other
4. pass by
   • three years elapsed

Synonyms

• go under
• travel by
• pass by
• surpass
• go past
• pass
• elapse
• lapse
• slip by
• glide by
• slip away
• slide by
• go along