Meaning

  1. To be ready or on alert.
  2. To support someone, especially in difficult times.
  3. To not withdraw or back down from a position.
  4. To do nothing or not intervene.

Today's Sentences

01

I’ll stand by you through thick and thin.

Situation

I’m scared things might change once I move abroad.

Yeah, change is hard but it doesn’t mean we won’t make it.

What if the distance pulls us apart?

I promise that I’ll stand by you through thick and thin.
No matter the time zones or miles.

02

Rescue crews are standing by in case of flooding.

Situation

The river’s already rising past the bridge.

I saw the alerts too. It’s getting worse by the hour.

Should we start evacuating the lower areas?

Definitely.
Rescue crews are standing by in case of flooding, but we shouldn’t wait for it to reach that point.

Writer's Note

“Stand by” is an intransitive, transitive, and inseparable phrasal verb. Let’s go over the details together!

  1. Intransitive - Does not need a direct object in order for the sentence to make sense.
    Example 1: Please stand by for further instructions.
    Example 2: Rescue crews are standing by in case of flooding.
    Example 3: The assistant stood by, waiting to help.
  2. Transitive - Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.
    Example 1: She stood by her friend during the trial.
    Example 2: No matter what happens, I’ll stand by you.
    Example 3: He stood by his beliefs even when criticized.
  3. Inseparable - The particle "stand" and the verb "by" cannot be separated.
    Example 1: I stand by what I said earlier.
    Example 2: How can you stand by and let this happen?
    Example 3: Despite backlash, he stood by his original plan.

Related Words: Abide, assist, await, back, be alert, be loyal, be ready, brace, champion, defend, endure, hold firm, honor, maintain, protect, remain, standby, stay, stay loyal, support, sustain, uphold, wait, wait for, watch

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