Performing an Action (By): English Vocabulary List

to put something aside for future use

"Lay by some money for emergencies."

"The wise farmer would lay by some grain each harvest to prepare for the winter months."

to save money for future use or needs

"Put by some savings monthly."

"It is a good habit to put by a portion of your salary each month for emergencies."

to follow the rules, commands, or wishes of someone, showing compliance to their authority

"You must abide by the rules."

"All employees must abide by the company's strict safety rules or face immediate termination."

to visit a place or someone briefly, often without a prior arrangement

"She drops by her friend's house."

"Please drop by my office anytime this afternoon so we can discuss the details of your new project."

to tell someone about an idea, especially to know their opinion about it

"Run this by me."

"Could you run this proposal by your supervisor before we present it to the board?"

to be capable of living or doing something using the available resources, knowledge, money, etc.

"She gets by on a small salary."

"It is difficult to get by on a low salary in an expensive city like New York or London."

to have just enough money or resources to survive, but not much more

"We barely scrape by financially."

"It is very difficult to scrape by on a minimum wage salary in an expensive city like London."

to remain committed to someone or something, especially during challenging or difficult times

"Stick by your friends always."

"Her loyal friends decided to stick by her during the difficult time even when others turned away."

to be certain that something is good or useful

"I swear by this book."

"Many athletes swear by this particular training regimen for achieving peak physical performance and endurance."

to visit or stop by a place for a brief period

"Can you come by later?"

"Please come by my desk after the meeting to discuss your project proposal."

to pass a certain point in time

"Time goes by very fast."

"Time seems to go by very quickly when you are enjoying yourself with friends and family."

to continue moving forward, particularly in reference to time

"Time will pass by."

"As the years pass by, we often reflect on the significant lessons learned from past experiences."

to refrain from taking action when it is necessary

"Do not stand by and watch."

"He was criticized for his decision to stand by while the injustice unfolded."