If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you should say “passerby,” “passersby,” or the somewhat unusual “passerbyers,” you’re not alone. English can be a tricky language, especially when it comes to pluralizing compound nouns like these. Understanding the rules behind the usage of “passerby” and its plural forms can help you avoid common mistakes and sound more confident in your writing.
In this post, we’ll break down the correct usage of “passerby,” explore the reasons behind common mistakes, and clarify the proper plural form, all while providing examples, practical tips, and a deeper look into language evolution. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of the subject and know exactly how to use these terms in everyday communication.
Breaking Down “Passerby”: Meaning and Origin
First things first—let’s start with understanding what “passerby” actually means.
Definition: A “passerby” refers to a person who is passing by, typically someone who is moving through an area without any intention of staying there. The word can describe people walking on a street, passing a park, or moving through any public space.
Etymology: The term “passerby” comes from the verb “pass” and the noun “by.” The word itself follows a compound noun construction. Historically, “passerby” has been used in English since the 1600s, although it was often hyphenated as “passer-by” in older texts. Over time, this hyphenated form gradually became “passersby,” which is the modern, more common form used today.
Interestingly, “passerby” follows a somewhat unusual pluralization rule for compound nouns. Unlike most English nouns where the plural is formed by adding an “-s” or “-es” to the end of the word, the plural of “passerby” adds an “-s” to “passer” and keeps “by” unchanged—resulting in “passersby.” This pattern is also seen in other similar expressions like “mothers-in-law” or “attorneys general.”
The Correct Plural: “Passersby” Explained
Now that we understand the singular form of “passerby,” let’s talk about the plural—“passersby.”
Why “passersby” and not “passerbyers” or “passerbies”?
The confusion arises because people often assume the plural form should follow a familiar pattern, like adding “-ers” to the base word. However, English has many irregular pluralization rules, especially for compound nouns.
In the case of “passerby,” the correct plural form is “passersby,” and here’s why:
- Compound Nouns: When a compound noun is formed from two parts, the plural is often applied to the first element of the compound. For example:
- “Mothers-in-law” (not “mother-in-laws”)
- “Attorneys general” (not “attorney generals”)
- “Passersby” (not “passerbyers”)
This means that the pluralization happens to the word “passer,” and the “by” part remains unchanged.
- The Role of “By”: The word “by” in the phrase “passerby” is a preposition, which doesn’t change when you pluralize the compound. That’s why we say “passersby” and not “passerbies.”
The Incorrect Form: Why “Passerbyers” Sounds Right to Some
Now that we’ve established that “passersby” is the correct plural form, you might still be wondering: Why do some people say “passerbyers”? Is there a reason behind this mistake?
It turns out that “passerbyers” is a misformation that many people use due to common language patterns. Here’s why this happens:
- The “-ers” Suffix: In everyday speech, English speakers tend to add “-ers” when forming the plural of a noun. For example, “players,” “walkers,” and “runners” are all correct plural forms in English. So, it’s understandable why someone would assume that “passerbyers” makes sense. However, this rule doesn’t apply in the case of compound nouns where the first part (the “passer”) is pluralized, while the second part (“by”) stays the same.
- Informal Speech Influences: In many informal conversations, the rules of grammar tend to get stretched. The addition of “-ers” seems like a natural choice when pluralizing words, even though it’s not technically correct in this case.
- Lack of Familiarity with the Rule: Many people don’t know the specific rule for compound nouns like “passerby.” As a result, they might not realize that “passerbyers” is a grammatically incorrect construction.
Though it’s understandable, “passerbyers” is not accepted in standard English and should be avoided, especially in professional writing or formal communication.
Hyphenation and Style: “Passers-by” vs. “Passersby”
You may come across two versions of the plural form: “passers-by” and “passersby.” Which one is correct?
Historical Usage: In older English texts, it was common to see the hyphenated form “passers-by.” This was a way to show that “passer” and “by” were distinct elements that worked together as a compound noun. Over time, however, as English evolved and became more streamlined, the hyphen was dropped, and “passersby” became the standard form.
Current Usage: Today, most dictionaries, style guides, and grammar authorities prefer “passersby” without the hyphen. The reason for this is that hyphenation in compound nouns has been largely phased out, especially when both elements are short and clear in meaning.
When to Use Hyphens: Although “passersby” is now the most common form, you might still see “passers-by” in older literature or in certain specific writing styles. However, unless you’re following a particular style guide (e.g., AP or Chicago Manual of Style), it’s best to use “passersby” without the hyphen for clarity and simplicity.
Real-World Usage: “Passersby” in Context
One of the best ways to understand any word is by seeing it used in real-world examples. Let’s look at how “passersby” is used in various contexts.
Examples in Sentences:
- “The street was crowded with passersby, all eager to catch a glimpse of the parade.”
- “The artist painted portraits of the passersby she encountered in the park.”
- “Local businesses often rely on the presence of passersby for foot traffic and exposure.”
As you can see, “passersby” is used to describe people who are walking by or moving through an area. It’s a plural term, so it refers to multiple individuals, not just one.
In literature, the term also frequently appears to evoke a sense of movement and fleeting presence. Writers may use it to suggest that someone is just passing through, rather than staying or lingering.
Major Publications Using “Passersby”
- The New York Times: “As the protest marched down the avenue, passersby looked on in silence.”
- BBC News: “In the crowded market, passersby hurried to find shelter as the rain began to fall.”
These examples show how “passersby” is used in a variety of professional contexts, reinforcing the correctness of the term and its widespread acceptance in standard English.
How Language Evolves: Could “Passerbyers” Ever Become Acceptable?
While we’ve established that “passerbyers” is incorrect according to current grammar rules, could this form ever become widely accepted?
Language is constantly evolving. Words and phrases that were once considered incorrect often make their way into common usage. For instance, the word “ain’t,” once widely regarded as nonstandard, is now frequently used in casual conversation and literature.
However, in the case of “passerbyers,” it’s unlikely that this form will gain traction anytime soon. The rules of pluralizing compound nouns are deeply ingrained in English, and “passersby” is already a well-established term.
That said, language shifts often happen over long periods of time, so it’s always interesting to keep an eye on evolving trends. For now, sticking with “passersby” is the safest bet.
Conclusion: The Takeaway on “Passersby”
To sum it up:
- “Passerby” is the correct singular form referring to a person who is passing by.
- The correct plural form is “passersby”, not “passerbyers” or “passerbies.”
- “Passerbyers” is a common mistake due to misapplication of pluralization rules, but it is not grammatically correct.
- The hyphenated form, “passers-by,” was once common but has largely been replaced by the simpler, modern form “passersby.”
By following these guidelines, you’ll avoid common mistakes and use “passersby” correctly in all your writing. Understanding and applying these rules will help you sound more polished and confident in both casual and professional contexts.
FAQs About “Passerby” and “Passersby”
1. What is the correct plural of “passerby”?
The correct plural is “passersby”, not “passerbyers” or “passerbies.” The word follows the irregular pluralization rule for compound nouns, where the first part (passer) takes the plural form while the second part (by) remains unchanged.
2. Why isn’t “passerbyers” a real word?
“Passerbyers” is incorrect because it mistakenly applies the “-ers” suffix to an already pluralized word. Since “passersby” correctly pluralizes the noun “passer” while keeping “by” the same, there is no need to add another pluralizing suffix.
3. Can I still use “passers-by” with a hyphen?
While “passers-by” was historically acceptable, modern English grammar favors the unhyphenated form “passersby.” Most dictionaries and style guides recommend dropping the hyphen unless you’re following an older or specific writing style.
4. Are there other words like “passersby” that follow the same pluralization rule?
Yes! Other compound nouns that follow this pattern include:
- Mothers-in-law (not mother-in-laws)
- Attorneys general (not attorney generals)
- Chiefs of staff (not chief of staffs)
In each case, the main noun (mothers, attorneys, chiefs) takes the plural, while the modifying word remains the same.
5. Could “passerbyers” ever become an accepted word in the future?
While language evolves over time, it’s unlikely that “passerbyers” will become standard English. The rule governing compound noun pluralization is well-established, and “passersby” has been the correct plural form for centuries. However, slang and informal speech can sometimes influence language trends, so it’s always good to keep an eye on evolving usage.
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