0
ESLBeginner Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Bring ... by

Hello, I'm wondering what does "bring ... by" mean in following sentences; what's the purpose of adding a "by" there?

  • Do you mind if I ask what brings you by to see us today?

  • He's allowed to call at say 8am and ask if he can bring someone by at 10am the same day but if you say no or don't answer, he can't do it.
Thank you in advance.
  

Top answer

I think this must be an Americanism, so I'll try to answer. I believe that adding the "by" (with the object of the preposition understood but omitted) makes the visit less formal. "By" is also used with "stop," which implies that instead of planning a visit, the visitor has just happened to pass, or was in the neighborhood anyway: Is it okay if I stop by your house this afternoon and drop off those decorations?

— Delmobile

  • I think this must be an Americanism, so I'll try to answer.
  • I believe that adding the "by" (with the object of the preposition understood but omitted) makes the visit less formal.
  • "By" is also used with "stop," which implies that instead of planning a visit, the visitor has just happened to pass, or was in the neighborhood anyway: Is it okay if I stop by your house this afternoon and drop off those decorations?
  • Could you stop by the drugstore and pick up some milk?
  • Stop by sometime and have a cup of coffee.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
I think this must be an Americanism, so I'll try to answer. I believe that adding the "by" (with the object of the preposition understood but omitted) makes the visit less formal. "By" is also used with "stop," which implies that instead of planning a visit, the visitor has just happened to pass, or was in the neighborhood anyway:

Is it okay if I stop by your house this afternoon and dro
0

Related Questions