PWI’s contribution to “English is Crazy”

Ever considered this?

A thing that passes by is a bypass.
However, a person who passes by isn’t a *bypasser but a passer-by.

A thing that stands by should therefore be a *bystand, but it isn’t, it’s a standby.
However, a person who stands by isn’t a *stander-by but a bystander.

My head hurts.

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