English Grammar
Time goes by so quickly. Here ' By ' is a / an------.
a. adjective
b. preposition
c. adverb
d. pronoun
Answer : ADVERB
Explanation: "go by" is a phrasal verb which means to pass or to elapse, typically referring to the passage of time.
It cannot be a preposition as preposition typically introduces a prepositional phrase and is followed by a noun or pronoun. In the sentence "Time goes by so quickly," "by" is indeed a preposition, but it doesn't introduce a prepositional phrase in this case. Instead, it is part of the idiomatic expression "goes by," which means "passes" or "elapses." "By" in this context serves as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "goes." It doesn't directly relate to a noun or pronoun but rather provides additional information about the action of time passing quickly. So, "by" is acting as an adverb here.
Phrasal verbs
Phrasal verbs are combinations of verbs and one or more particles (usually prepositions or adverbs) that together function as a single, complex verb. These particles can significantly change the meaning of the main verb, and they often create idiomatic expressions. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in English and are an important part of the language.
Here's a breakdown of the components of a phrasal verb:
- Verb: This is the main action or the core of the expression.
- Particle: This can be either a preposition or an adverb. The particle, when combined with the verb, creates a new meaning or context for the action.
For example, consider the phrasal verb "take off":
- "Take" is the verb.
- "Off" is the particle.
When you put them together, "take off" means to remove something quickly, like taking off a jacket or taking off in an airplane. The meaning of "take off" is different from simply "take."
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