Phrasal verb
stop by
Meanings
to visit someone or a place for a short time, often while going somewhere else
to go to a shop, office, or other place briefly to do something quick
Definition
To stop by means to visit a place or person briefly, usually on the way to somewhere else.
If you stop by, you go to a place for a short visit, often without staying long. It can be planned or casual, and it frequently happens while you are already nearby. People often use it for quick social visits or quick trips to a shop or office.
Examples
- I’ll stop by after work to pick up the charger you borrowed.
- Can you stop by the library and return these books for me?
- He stopped by our table to say hello before his meeting.
- She stopped by the bakery on her way home and bought a loaf of bread.
- They stopped by my apartment for a few minutes to drop off the keys.
Common mistake
Learners often say "stop in" or "stop" without a place, but "stop by" usually needs a clear destination or context for a brief visit.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.