stand by meaning and examples

Meaning

• Stand by has several meanings depending on context:

  1. To be ready to help or take action when needed.
  2. To support or remain loyal to someone or something.
  3. To wait without taking immediate action.
  4. (Noun: standby) Something kept ready for use when needed.

Grammar and Usage

• Verb phrase (phrasal verb).

• Often used in imperative or continuous forms:

  • Stand by for instructions.
  • She stood by him through difficult times.

• Transitive use (support someone): “stand by + person”

• Intransitive use (wait): “stand by”

Variations

• stand by someone → to remain loyal or supportive.
• stand by to do something → to be prepared for action.
• on standby → ready but not yet active.

Common Phrases

• stand by your decision
• stand by your friend
• stand by for further announcements
• remain on standby
• emergency standby

Collocations

• stand by + (person/decision/promise)
• be on standby
• stand by helplessly
• stand by silently

Examples

1. The soldiers were told to stand by in case they were needed.
2. She always stood by her best friend, even in hard times.
3. Please stand by for the latest update on the situation.
4. The rescue team was on standby throughout the storm.
5. He promised to stand by his words no matter what.
6. The audience had to stand by while the stage was being prepared.
7. Don’t worry, I’ll stand by you no matter what happens.
8. We were kept on standby at the airport due to bad weather.

Synonyms or Related

• wait
• support
• remain loyal
• back up
• be prepared

Antonym

• abandon
• desert
• oppose
• betray