Have you ever paused mid-sentence, wondering if it’s passerby, passersby, or passerbyers? You’re not alone. This common confusion stems from the unique structure of certain English compound nouns. Let’s delve into the correct usage, origins, and nuances of these terms to enhance your understanding and communication.
What Does “Passerby” Mean?
A passerby refers to someone who is passing by a particular place, typically on foot. It’s often used to describe individuals who are not directly involved in an event but are present nearby.
Example:
“A passerby noticed the smoke and alerted the fire department.”
Singular vs. Plural: “Passerby” and “Passersby”
Why “Passersby” Is Correct
The term passerby is a compound noun, combining “passer” (one who passes) and “by” (indicating proximity). When pluralizing such compounds, the standard rule is to pluralize the primary noun component.
- Singular: passerby
- Plural: passersby
This structure is similar to other compound nouns:
| Singular | Plural |
| mother-in-law | mothers-in-law |
| attorney general | attorneys general |
| passerby | passersby |
Incorrect: passerbys
Correct: passersby
The Incorrect Form “Passerbyers” and Its Usage
The form passerbyers is a misinterpretation of the pluralization rules for compound nouns. While it might seem logical to some, it’s not recognized in standard English.
Incorrect Example:
“Several passersby stopped to help.”
Corrected:
“Several passersby stopped to help.”
Hyphenation in “Passersby”
Historically, passerby was hyphenated as passer-by, and its plural as passers-by. Over time, the hyphen has been dropped in most modern usages, though both forms are still understood.
- Modern Usage: passerby / passersby
- Traditional Usage: passer-by/passers-by
Note: Consistency is key. Choose one form and stick with it throughout your writing.
Correct Usage: Why “Passersby” is the Standard Form
Understanding the correct pluralization of compound nouns enhances clarity and professionalism in writing. Using passersby aligns with standard English grammar rules and is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
“The artist’s performance captivated the passersby.”
Real-World Examples: “Passersby” in Use
To solidify your understanding, here are some real-world examples:
- “Passersby were alarmed when Ellie fell into a manhole while crossing the street.”
– The Washington Post - “None of the passersby stopped to help a man who had been beaten on the sidewalk in broad daylight.”
– The Washington Post - “Dozens of pint-sized zombies descended on downtown Washington on Wednesday afternoon, drawing a crowd of smiling passersby with their Halloween-appropriate rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.'”
– The Washington Post
The Evolution of Language and “Passersby”
Language is dynamic, and the evolution of terms like passerby reflects this. While ‘passersby’ remains the correct plural form, variations like ‘passerbys’ have emerged in colloquial speech. However, these are not accepted in formal writing.
Insight:
According to Grammarist, passerbys occurs once out of every 25 times the correct form is used, indicating a common but incorrect usage.
Frequently Confused Words: Quick Reference
Enhance your vocabulary by understanding these commonly confused terms:
Certain vs. Specific
- Certain: Refers to some but not all; not named or described.
- Example: “Certain individuals were selected for the task.”
- Specific: Clearly defined or identified.
- Example: “She gave specific instructions for the project.”
Toll vs. Tole
- Toll: A charge payable for permission to use a particular bridge or road.
- Example: “They paid the toll before crossing the bridge.”
- Tole: Decorative painting on tin and wooden utensils.
- Example: “She admired the tole-painted tray.”
Hodgepodge vs. Hotchpotch
Both terms refer to a confused mixture, but their usage varies by region.
- Hodgepodge: Commonly used in American English.
- Example: “The meal was a hodgepodge of leftovers.”
- Hotchpotch: Commonly used in British English.
- Example: “The novel was a hotchpotch of genres.”
Result vs. Outcome
- Result: The consequence or effect of an action or event.
- Example: “The result of the experiment was surprising.”
- Outcome: The way a thing turns out; a result.
- Example: “They were pleased with the outcome of the negotiations.”
“Correspond To” vs “Correspond With”
- Correspond To: To be similar or equivalent to.
- Example: “The U.S. grade corresponds to the U.K. system.”
- Correspond With: To communicate by exchanging letters.
- Example: “She corresponded with her pen pal for years.”
Tips to Remember Irregular Plural Forms
Understanding irregular plurals can be challenging. Here’s a quick reference:
| Singular | Plural |
| passerby | passersby |
| mother-in-law | mothers-in-law |
| attorney general | attorneys general |
| runner-up | runners-up |
| man-of-war | men-of-war |
Mnemonic: Focus on pluralizing the primary noun in compound terms.
Conclusion: Mastering “Passerby” and Its Plural
Grasping the correct usage of passerby and its plural passersby enhances your communication skills and ensures clarity in both writing and speech. Remember:
- Correct Singular: passerby
- Correct Plural: passersby
- Incorrect Forms: passerbys, passerbyers
Stay attentive to compound nouns and their pluralization rules to maintain grammatical accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between passerby, passersby, and the incorrect passerbyers is more than just a grammar lesson- it’s about mastering clarity and precision in communication. English, with its many quirks, especially in compound nouns, often challenges even native speakers. But once you grasp the rules-like pluralizing the main noun in a compound term-you’ll navigate similar linguistic puzzles with ease.
So, whether you’re writing an article, crafting a professional email, or simply trying to sound more polished in everyday conversation, remember:
- Use a passerby for one person.
- Use passersby for more than one.
- Avoid passerbys and passerbyers entirely.
Language evolves, but grammar rules like these remain crucial for clear, effective, and credible expression.
FAQs
What is the correct plural of “passerby”?
The correct plural is passersby. Since “passerby” is a compound noun, the plural is formed by pluralizing the main noun-“passer”-not the whole word.
Is “passerbyers” ever correct in English?
No, passerby is grammatically incorrect and not recognized in standard English. It’s a common mistake that arises from misunderstanding how compound nouns are pluralized.
Why does “passersby” sound strange to some speakers?
Because it’s an irregular plural form of a compound noun, it may seem odd at first. Most English pluralizations add “s” at the end, but compound nouns like passerby follow different rules-pluralizing the key noun within the phrase.
Can you use “passerbys” in informal writing or speech?
While you might hear “passerbys” used informally, especially in spoken English, it is still considered incorrect. For proper grammar, especially in writing, always use passersby.
Are there other compound nouns that pluralize like “passerby”?
Yes, several compound nouns follow a similar pattern. Examples include:
- Mother-in-law → Mothers-in-law
- Attorney general → Attorneys general
- Runner-up → Runners-up
These follow the same rule: pluralize the main noun, not the whole phrase.
