Yesterday I was watching a movie where I saw the use of this phrase "came by", but I felt it was easily replaceable with only "came". Please suggest whether they are replaceable or if there are uses which are specific.
Example: I _____ to wish you luck for your exam.
Why should it have the preposition after?
Best Answer
Depending on the context, in my experience, using "came" implies that someone came specifically to a place, perhaps with purpose, whereas using "came by" in its place could indicate that the person is making a stop in that place among others, and that he or she might only stay a short while before resuming their excursion.
To say, "I'll come by tomorrow after work.", is a polite way to indicate to someone that you're going to visit them somewhere, but only briefly without expressly saying that you have other places to be or things to do.