What are the definitions of “tick by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pass ( of time ).
The seconds TICKED BY and the team failed to score.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tick by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tick by is the passing of time, usually referring to a slow or steady pace. It is often used to describe the feeling of time moving forward, especially when waiting for something or observing a process.
What are the different verb forms of “tick by”?
| Root Verb | tick by |
| Third Person Singular Present | ticks by |
| Present Participle | ticking by |
| Simple Past | ticked by |
| Past Participle | ticked by |
Example
As the hours tick by, she becomes more and more anxious.
Example
Time ticks by as we wait for the bus to arrive.
Example
The minutes are ticking by while we sit in the waiting room.
Example
The days ticked by as they awaited news from their family.
Example
The hours had ticked by before they realized how late it was.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tick 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
“tick 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
The seconds ticked by and the team failed to score.
Example
As the days tick by, the deadline approaches.
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
“tick 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
The seconds ticked by and the team failed to score.
Example
As the days tick by, the deadline approaches.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tick by”?
Tick away
Similar to *tick by*, it refers to the passing of time, often with a sense of urgency or anticipation.
Example
The clock ticked away as the students hurried to finish their exams.
Tick off
To mark or cross off items on a list, usually as they are completed.
Example
She ticked off each task as she finished them.
Tick someone off
To annoy or irritate someone.
Example
His constant complaining really ticks me off.
Good things to know
Does “tick by” have an informal or formal tone?
Tick 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 writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
