The English language is full of tricky words that often cause confusion among fluent speakers. When I first encountered Passersby or Passerbyers, I actually paused mid-sentence, feeling unsure if I was using the correct form or simply overthinking the rule. Many learners have felt alone in this exact situation, trying to figure out whether to say passersby, passerbyers, or passerbies. Every person who loves learning languages hesitates at least once over this oddly fascinating term.
This short guide helps make sense of things through clear definitions and grammar rules. In the real-world, the proper use of these words feels natural after learning their history and plural forms. A single person walking by is a passerby, while several are called passersby. The other forms—passerbyers and passerbies—may sound playful, but they’re not accepted in formal writing. With a little understanding, you can stop the urge to hesitate when using the term
hat Does “Passerby” Mean?
At its core, a passerby is simply “a person who happens to be going past a place.” It describes someone without intentional involvement—just someone who happens to be present.
- Example: A passerby noticed the smoke and called the fire department.
The word dates back to the 16th century, formed from the verb pass + the preposition by. Unlike most nouns that stand on their own, passerby combines action and position into a single identity.
This makes it a compound noun—a noun made of two words working as one. Because of that, its plural form doesn’t follow the same rules as more straightforward words.
The Grammar Behind It: Compound Nouns Explained
To understand why passersby is correct, you need to look at how English treats compound nouns.
A compound noun is a noun that combines two or more words to act as one idea. The trick is that in some compounds, the first word takes the plural, while in others, the second word does.
Examples of Compound Plurals
| Singular | Correct Plural | Incorrect Form |
| attorney general | attorneys general | attorney generals |
| mother-in-law | mothers-in-law | mother-in-laws |
| passerby | passersby | passerbies / passerbyers |
Notice the pattern: the main subject word pluralizes, not the descriptive or modifying part. For passerby, the main subject is “passer,” so it becomes “passers,” while “by” remains unchanged.
That’s why “passersby” is the only correct plural form.
Singular vs. Plural: Getting It Right
Here’s how to properly use passerby in singular and plural forms.
- Singular: A passerby asked for directions.
- Plural: Several passersby stopped to help after the accident.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Passerbies – looks logical but ignores the compound rule
- ❌ Passerbyers – a manufactured form that doesn’t exist in proper English
- ✅ Passersby – the correct, accepted plural
Quick Reference Table
| Context | Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
| One person | A passerby walked past the store. | A passerbie walked… |
| Many people | Three passersby gathered outside. | Three passerbyers… |
This distinction is important not just for grammar snobs but for anyone who writes, speaks, or studies English professionally or academically.
The Incorrect Form “Passerbyers”
So where does passerbyers come from? The short answer: overgeneralization.
English speakers often add “-er” or “-ers” to indicate people performing an action (bakers, teachers, walkers). When people see passerby, their brain interprets it as someone “passing by,” and it feels natural to say passerbyers.
However, English doesn’t work that way here. Dictionaries, style guides, and linguistic authorities all agree: passerbyers is not a valid word.
Expert Insight: The Oxford English Dictionary lists passersby as the only accepted plural form. Passerbyers is marked as nonstandard or nonexistent.
While you might spot passerbyers in informal forums or social media, it has no place in professional writing or speech.
Hyphenation Myths Around “Passersby”
Another point of confusion: should it be “passers-by” with a hyphen?
Historically, yes. Older texts from the 18th and 19th centuries often wrote it as passers-by. But modern English has dropped the hyphen.
Current Standard
- Correct today: passersby (no hyphen)
- Older form: passers-by (acceptable historically, but not recommended now)
Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Cambridge all list passersby without a hyphen as the correct modern spelling.
Real-World Usage Examples
To see how passersby works in natural language, let’s look at real-life examples:
- “Police questioned several passersby after the incident.” — BBC News
- “Passersby stopped to take pictures of the rare event.” — The New York Times
- “Two passersby intervened to help the injured cyclist.” — The Guardian
Compare this with incorrect forms you might see in casual online spaces:
- ❌ “Several passerbyers reported the fire.”
- ❌ “The passerbies looked confused.”
The difference is stark. Mainstream, reputable sources always use passersby.
The Evolution of the Word Over Time
Language is fluid, and words evolve. But passersby has held its ground for centuries.
A look at Google Books Ngram Viewer shows passersby appearing consistently in literature since the 1600s, while “passerbyers” barely registers.
Why “Passerbyers” Won’t Likely Catch On
Unlike words such as “selfie” or “emoji” that emerged naturally with cultural change, passerbyers has no functional advantage. It’s simply a mistaken form. English tends to accept new words when they fill a gap, but here, passersby already does the job well.
Common Learner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Non-native English speakers often trip over passersby. Here are common pitfalls and quick tips to avoid them:
Mistakes
- Adding “-ers” → passerbyers
- Pluralizing the wrong word → passerbies
- Over-hyphenating → passers-by (outdated)
How to Remember
Think of it like this: They are passers who go by.
A simple mnemonic:
“Many passers go by, so it’s passersby.”
This way, the logic sticks and you’ll never be tempted to write passerbyers.
Case Study: How Grammar Rules Matter in Everyday Life
Consider a headline from a local news outlet:
- Correct: “Passersby Save Child from Burning Car.”
- Incorrect: “Passerbyers Save Child from Burning Car.”
The first sounds professional, clear, and authoritative. The second undermines credibility instantly. That single error could make readers doubt the accuracy of the entire article.
For businesses, schools, and publications, getting compound plurals right matters because they reflect attention to detail and command of the language.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Passersby or Passerbyers is more than just a grammar exercise—it’s about recognizing how the English language evolves and shapes meaning. The confusion many learners face isn’t due to a lack of knowledge but the language’s natural complexity. Words like passerby, passersby, and the incorrect forms passerbyers or passerbies remind us how easily sound and familiarity can influence what we believe to be right. By knowing that passersby is the true plural form, you not only write correctly but also gain confidence in using English naturally.
The history, grammar, and real-world use of such words help language enthusiasts move from hesitation to mastery. Once you understand that “passersby” follows an irregular plural rule similar to “attorneys general” or “mothers-in-law,” it becomes easier to grasp English’s quirks with clarity and enjoyment. The more we study and apply these patterns, the stronger our connection with language becomes. Every time you recognize and use passersby correctly, you’re not just applying a rule—you’re participating in the living rhythm of English itself.
FAQs
What does “passerby” mean?
It means a person who passes by or walks past a certain place.
What is the plural of “passerby”?
The correct plural form is “passersby.”
Is “passerbyers” a real word?
No, “passerbyers” is not considered grammatically correct in English.
Why is the plural “passersby” and not “passerbys”?
Because “passer” is the noun being pluralized, not “by.”
Are “passersby” and “pedestrians” the same?
Not exactly. All passersby are pedestrians, but not all pedestrians are passersby.
Is “passerbies” ever acceptable?
No, it’s a common mistake but not an accepted form.
How can I remember the correct plural?
Think of “passers” (people) who are “by” something—so, “passersby.”
Do native speakers confuse these words too?
Yes, even native English speakers sometimes hesitate when using them.
Can “passerby” be used in formal writing?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine and appropriate for both casual and formal contexts.
What is the origin of the word “passerby”?
It comes from the phrase “to pass by,” evolving into a compound noun over time.
