What is the proper way to use the term, "By and by'?

Question

I'm hoping to work this into my everyday conversations but I'm not clear on the correct usage.

Answer 1

This phrase has one meaning: "eventually, in the future".

For example: "I'll come visit again, by and by" ='someday'

Or: "She'll figure it out by and by" ='eventually'

Answer 2

perhaps you mean "by the by"

b. by the by (earlier by a by, on or upon the by): by a side way, on a side issue; as a matter of secondary or subsidiary importance, incidentally, casually, in passing. Obs. or arch. Also in predicative or complemental use (quasi-adj.): Off the main track, away from the point at issue, of secondary importance, incidental.



1649 Cromwell Lett. 13 Aug., As for the pleasures of this life, and outward business, let that be upon the bye. 1661 J. Stephens Procurations 67 Little else than a s¿ paqeqcom a work by the by. 1705 Stanhope Paraphr. II. 222 They would not make Religion a thing by the by. 1831 Sir W. Hamilton Discuss. (1853) 416 Tuition+lightly viewed and undertaken, as a matter of convenience, a business by the by. 1872 Geo. Eliot Middlem. II. iv. 240 All these matters were by the by.

c. by the by is used parenthetically, with the omission of some phrase, such as ‘it may be remarked’. So by the way: see way.
1708 Swift Bickerstaff Detect. Wks. 1755 II. i. 164 My wife's voice, (which by the by, is pretty distinguishable). 1762 T. Jefferson Corr. Wks. 1859 I. 183 As brother Job says, (who, by-the-bye+began to whine a little under his afflictions,) ‘Are not my days few?’ 1847 Barham Ingol. Leg. (1877) 269 A line that's not mine but Tom Moore's, by-the-by. 1866 Kingsley Herew. i, By-the-by, Martin—any message from my lady mother?

Answer 3

Sort of an old expression. It will make you sound about 80. But it's used at the end of a sentence when you are saying sooner or later. She'll return by and by.

Answer 4

Try substituting it for the phrase "over time" or "in the order of things"... it usually indicates a passage of time... but it's really an archaic expression... the only one I can think of is the old Gospel Song: "In the sweet by and by".

Answer 5

By and by, in its orginal use, meant fairly soon, but in modren usage its usage has changed from that to a somewhat longer period of time. its usage today pretty much means eventually.

Answer 6

gradually, after a certain time
I don’t consider it archaic

Answer 7

Just try it out, and by and by, you will come to use it correctly.