Passerbyers or Passersby or Passerby? Which Is Correct?

When it comes to everyday English, choosing the right words can be confusing—especially when they sound alike or have irregular forms. One such confusing case is: Passerbyers or Passersby or Passerby? If you’ve ever hesitated before writing or saying this phrase, you’re not alone. Understanding the correct grammar and proper usage of irregular plural forms is essential for both writing and speaking clearly.

The phrase Passerbyers or Passersby or Passerby often sparks debate, especially among those trying to master common English mistakes. Is “passerbyers” even a word? Which one is the plural of passerby? And what do grammar rules really say about these variations?

This article breaks down the confusion behind Passerbyers or Passersby or Passerby to give you a clear answer backed by language rules and real-life usage examples. We’ll explore not just what’s technically right, but also what’s commonly accepted in both formal and casual English.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone brushing up on their language skills, understanding this topic can save you from awkward mistakes and improve your writing and communication. Let’s dive into the truth about this tricky trio.

What’s the Correct Plural of “Passerby”?

Let’s cut to the chase. The table below gives you the definitive answer:

Form	Singular or Plural?	Is It Correct?
Passerby	Singular	✅ Yes
Passersby	Plural	✅ Yes
Passerbyers	Plural (attempt)	❌ Incorrect

Quick Definitions

• Passerby: A person who passes by, especially by chance.
• Passersby: More than one passerby.
• Passerbyers: ❌ Not a word. Avoid using it.

Now, let’s explore why “passersby” is correct and “passerbyers” is not.

Why “Passersby” Is the Correct Plural

English isn’t always consistent, but when it comes to compound nouns—especially those made of a noun + adverb or preposition—it does follow a logic.

The Rule: Pluralize the Main Noun

In the case of passerby:

• “Passer” is the main noun
• “By” is an adverb/preposition modifying where the person is passing

So when you make it plural, you pluralize the main noun, not the whole word.

✔ Correct: Passersby
✖ Incorrect: Passerbyers

Other Examples of Compound Noun Plurals

Singular	Plural
Attorney general	Attorneys general
Mother-in-law	Mothers-in-law
Runner-up	Runners-up
Hanger-on	Hangers-on

You’ll notice the plural always attaches to the first noun, not the word as a whole.

Why “Passerbyers” Feels Right (But Isn’t)

If you’ve ever thought “passerbyers” sounded okay, you’re not wrong—it does sound right to many ears. But there’s a reason for that.

Common Reasons People Make This Mistake

1. Regularization Bias

Our brains prefer consistency. Most English words form plurals by adding “-s” or “-ers”:

• Teacher → Teachers
  
• Driver → Drivers
  
• Player → Players
  

So it feels natural to do the same with passerby → passerbyers.

2. Sound-Based Confusion

“Passersby” can sound awkward or outdated to some speakers, especially if they don’t frequently hear or use the term.

3. Lack of Exposure

Words like passersby are rarely seen in casual writing or speech, making people second-guess themselves when they do encounter them.

Real Examples of “Passerby” and “Passersby” in Use

Let’s take a look at how each word should (and shouldn’t) appear in a sentence.

✅ Correct Usage

Singular Example:
“A passerby noticed smoke coming from the building.”

Plural Example:
“Several passersby stopped to help the injured cyclist.”

❌ Incorrect Usage

Incorrect: “Multiple passerbyers witnessed the robbery.”
(“Passerbyers” is not a recognized word in English.)

Incorrect: “Three passerbys gave statements to police.”
(This is another incorrect plural form.)

What Dictionaries and Grammar Authorities Say

To clear all doubts, here’s what the top language references say:

Source	Correct Plural	Notes
Merriam-Webster	Passersby	“The plural of passerby is passersby.”
Oxford English Dictionary	Passersby	A compound noun with an irregular plural form
Cambridge Dictionary	Passersby	Lists “passersby” with sample usage
Chicago Manual of Style	Passersby	Confirms pluralization of the main noun in compound phrases

There is no major dictionary that accepts passerbyers as a valid word.

A Look Into the History of “Passerby”

Words evolve, and “passerby” is no exception.

• First Use: Late 18th century
  
• Origin: From the verb “to pass” + the adverb “by”
  
• Structure: A noun formed from a verb and a preposition
  

This kind of compound noun is unique to English and is a major reason why pluralizing it can feel unnatural. But linguistically, the rule still applies: pluralize the noun, not the modifier.

Common Compound Nouns with Irregular Plurals

Understanding passerby is easier when you compare it to similar structures. Here’s a list to keep in your writing toolbox:

Singular	Plural
Brother-in-law	Brothers-in-law
Notary public	Notaries public
Court-martial	Courts-martial
Editor-in-chief	Editors-in-chief
Hanger-on	Hangers-on

These irregular plural forms all follow the same logic: only the noun is made plural.

Can “Passerbyers” Ever Be Acceptable?

The short answer: No.

Even in informal settings, slang, or poetic license, passerbyers remain grammatically incorrect and unsupported by any credible language body.

Google Ngram Viewer Data

A quick analysis using Google’s Ngram tool shows the frequency of usage over time:

Word	Usage (1900–2000)	Current Trend
Passersby	📈 Widely used	Still standard
Passerbyers	📉 Rare/Nonexistent	Remains nonstandard

You can check it yourself here:
Google Ngram Viewer – Passersby vs. Passerbyers

Case Study: How “Passerby” Gets Misused in Real Writing

Let’s analyze a sample sentence from a community news blog:

Incorrect: “Police interviewed several passerbyers at the scene.”
Corrected: “Police interviewed several passersby at the scene.”

This mistake was corrected in a later version of the article. It highlights how even experienced writers can trip over compound nouns—especially when they sound deceptively simple.

Lesson: Always double-check with reputable grammar sources when in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it passersby or passerbyers?

✅ The correct plural form is passersby, not passerbyers.
“Passerbyers” is grammatically incorrect and not used in standard English.

What is the meaning of passerbyers?

❌ Passerbyers has no official meaning in English.
It’s a common mistake made by assuming a regular plural of “passerby.”

What is the plural possessive of passerby?

The plural possessive form is passersby’s.
Example: The passersby’s reactions were varied during the event.

How do you say multiple passerbys?

The correct term is passersby—not “passerbys.”
It follows the irregular plural rule similar to attorneys general.

What is a synonym for passerbyers?

A good synonym for “passerby” (the correct base form) is bystander, onlooker, or pedestrian.
Remember: Always use “passersby” when referring to more than one.

Grammar Tips: Mastering Irregular Compound Nouns

Here are some quick rules and examples to help you handle tricky compound nouns like a pro:

🔤 General Rule:

Pluralize the main noun in the compound phrase, not the modifier.

🛠️ Memory Aid:

If you can identify the core noun, that’s the part to make plural.

🧠 Examples:

Mistake	Correct Form	Why
Runner-ups	Runners-up	“Runner” is the main noun
Mother-in-laws	Mothers-in-law	“Mother” is the noun, “in-law” is a qualifier
Passerbyers	Passersby	“Passer” is the noun, “by” is a preposition

Conclusion: Stick With Passersby

In conclusion, the grammatically correct term is “passersby” when referring to multiple individuals who are passing by, and “passerby” for a single individual. The word “passerbyers” is incorrect and not recognized in standard English. It’s important to remember that “passerby” is an irregular compound noun, and its plural form follows a unique structure where the first word gets pluralized—much like attorneys general or mothers-in-law. 

If you’re aiming for clear, professional, and grammatically sound communication, stick with “passerby” for one person and “passersby“ for more than one. Using the wrong form like “passerbyers” can appear unpolished or confusing to readers, especially in academic writing, formal communication.

Always choose clarity and correctness—and when in doubt, remember that standard English, compound noun rules, and grammatical accuracy matter in how you’re perceived as a writer or speaker.