Passerbyers or Passersby or Passerby? Which Is Correct?

Vocabulary / By

In referring to people walking or passing by a location, you will use “passersby” (plural) and passerby (singular). “Passerbyers” is wrong, both in phonetics and spelling. This is easy to identify since there is no word in English for “byers;” it simply doesn’t exist.

Regardless, either “passersby” or “passerby” is a quick and succinct word to describe people gallivanting around you. You often use this to make a commentary on the goings-on at an event, establishment, organization or some other similar place.

Grammar ; Definition of “Passerby” and “Passersby”

“Passerby” is a noun to indicate a person moving alongside a place or event. However, this is the singular form. The plural is “passersby” with an “s” between the “r” and “b.” You would never use “passerbyers” or “passerbys” since they are incorrect. Because “passerby” and “passersby” are nouns, they can be subjects and objects in a sentence.

“Passerby” and “passersby” are quicker words that denote “a person (or people) walking past.” This is useful for writing when you’re looking to break out of redundancy or to abide by a specific word count. But, it’s also good in conversation when you need to be quick with word choice.

Examples of “Passerby” and “Passersby”

For a solid comprehension of either “passerby” or “passersby,” peruse the examples below. The incorrect “passerbyers” will also show how awkward it sounds and makes the sentence drag in an unnecessary way.

  • Correct: The passerby at the gate is wearing bunny ears and a clown nose.
  • Correct: The passersby at the gate are wearing bunny ears and clown noses.
  • Incorrect: The passerbyers at the gate are wearing bunny ears and clown noses.

 

  • Correct: While at the café, we saw a passerby singing loudly with his headphones on.
  • Correct: While at the café, we saw passersby singing loudly with their headphones on.
  • Incorrect: While at the café, we saw passerbyers singing loudly with their headphones on.

 

  • Correct: There was an unusual passerby my garden this morning.
  • Correct: There were unusual passersby my garden this morning.
  • Incorrect: There were unusual passerbyers my garden this morning.

Conclusion

As you can see, “passerbyers” sounds weird and makes you take longer to finish the sentence than using “passerby” or “passersby.” But, it’s a useful, quick, and succinct way to describe the unfamiliar people walking, moving or strolling past any given place.

 

Conor
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