The correct spelling of the phrase "going by" is /ˈɡoʊɪŋ baɪ/. The first word, "going," is spelled with the letter "o" rather than "u" because it is an irregular verb. The second word, "by," is spelled with the letter "y" at the end because it is a preposition indicating passage or progression. Students learning English may struggle to spell this phrase due to the silent "g" at the beginning of "going" and the unusual combination of the letters "by."
"Going by" is a phrasal verb used to indicate that something is assumed or determined based on a particular factor or standard. It implies that a judgment, decision, or estimation is made by considering certain information or criteria. This expression is commonly used when information is limited or incomplete, emphasizing that the judgement is made with some level of uncertainty.
In a literal sense, "going by" suggests moving or proceeding based on a specific reference point or measure. However, in a figurative context, it typically refers to making an inference or forming an opinion based on available evidence or indications. When "going by," individuals often rely on incomplete or partial information but make an educated guess or determination nonetheless.
For example, if one were to say, "Going by his previous performances, I think he will do well in the next game," it means the speaker is predicting the individual's future performance based on their past achievements. Similarly, the phrase might be used in the sentence, "Going by the evidence on the scene, it appears to be an accident," indicating that the available evidence suggests an accident occurred.
Overall, "going by" is a phrase used to express conclusions, estimations, or judgments made based on limited or partial information, often indicating a level of speculation or uncertainty.
The phrase "going by" is a colloquial expression that means using or relying on a particular standard, reference, or assumption. The etymology of this phrase is relatively straightforward.
The word "going" comes from the Old English word "gān", which means "to go" or "to travel". Over time, "going" has been used idiomatically to express movement or progression.
The word "by" comes from the Old English word "bī", which typically means "near" or "by the side of". However, in the context of the phrase "going by", "by" is used to indicate the method, standard, or reference that is being employed. Here, "by" implies "according to" or "based on".
When these two words are combined, the phrase "going by" suggests traveling or progressing with respect to something or relying on a particular factor or standard.