What are the definitions of “come by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Visit.
I'll COME BY after work and see if you need any help.
- 2Acquire.
How did you COME BY that Rolex?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come by is to visit someone or a place, usually for a short time. It can also mean to acquire or obtain something, often through luck or effort.
What are the different verb forms of “come by”?
| Root Verb | come by |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes by |
| Present Participle | coming by |
| Simple Past | came by |
| Past Participle | come by |
Example
I will come by your house later to drop off the package.
Example
She comes by the office every day to check her mail.
Example
He is coming by later to help us with the project.
Example
Yesterday, they came by to say hello and have a chat.
Example
The opportunity to travel has come by only once in my life.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come by”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come by” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I'll come by after work and see if you need any help.
Example
How did you come by that Rolex?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come by” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I'll come by after work and see if you need any help.
Example
How did you come by that Rolex?
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come by”?
Come by chance
To find or encounter something or someone unexpectedly or by coincidence.
Example
I came by this amazing bookshop while exploring the city.
Come by honestly
To inherit or acquire a trait or characteristic naturally or legitimately, often from one's family or upbringing.
Example
Her love for music comes by honestly, as her parents are both musicians.
Hard to come by
Difficult to find or obtain.
Example
Tickets for the concert were hard to come by because they sold out quickly.
Good things to know
Does “come by” have an informal or formal tone?
Come by is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
