How time flies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "How time flies" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the feeling that time passes quickly, often in a nostalgic or reflective context. Example: "Looking back at my childhood, I can't believe how time flies; it feels like just yesterday I was playing in the backyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

How time flies.

The New York Times

How time flies in this show.

The New York Times

How time flies by, and me with all those dishes to do!

The New Yorker

How time flies, how things change and where are we now?

The New York Times

"How time flies," Benedict, who turned 79 on Sunday, said in off-the-cuff remarks to some 50,000 people at his regular Wednesday audience on St. Peter's Square.

The New York Times

"How time flies when one has fun!" exclaims Vladimir after one of the pair's routines, a particularly nasty re-enactment of Pozzo (Philip Quast) and the not so lucky Lucky's (Luke Mullins) abusive relationship.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It was strange how time flew by when you had nothing to remember it by.

The New York Times

In 1973, Shearer appeared as Jim Houseafire on How Time Flys, an album by The Firesign Theatre's David Ossman.

Wikipedia

My how times flies.

Huffington Post

The point is made not to be difficult about Reyes, but to acknowledge how swiftly time flies in sports, how quickly the window of opportunity can close.

The New York Times - Sports

Recently we were talking about a phenomenon she's been encountering in her business: Clients will call in about one of the dates she's set them up on from a pool of highly-curated and very exclusive clientele, telling her how easy the person was to talk to, how the time flew, how much they had in common and how often they laughed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "How time flies" to express a sense of nostalgia or surprise at the rapid passage of time, often when reflecting on past events or milestones.

Common error

Avoid using "How time flies" in situations where a literal measurement of time is needed or where the sentiment of rapid passage is irrelevant. For example, it would be inappropriate to say "How time flies" when scheduling a meeting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "How time flies" functions as an exclamation, expressing a subjective experience of time passing quickly. It serves as an observation or reflection on the perceived rate of time's progression, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "How time flies" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a feeling of surprise or nostalgia about the swift passage of time. As supported by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While versatile, avoid using it in contexts requiring literal time measurements. Alternatives like "time passes quickly" or "where did the time go" can be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time passes quickly

Focuses on the speed of time's passage, removing the element of surprise or realization.

Time goes by so fast

Emphasizes the quick progression of time, adding an emotional tone.

Where did the time go?

Expresses a sense of loss or bewilderment about time's passage.

The years have slipped away

Highlights the gradual and often unnoticed passage of years.

It feels like only yesterday

Contrasts the present with a recent past, emphasizing how quickly time has passed.

Time is a fleeting thing

Presents a philosophical view of time as transient and impermanent.

Life is passing in the blink of an eye

Uses a vivid image to convey the brevity of life and the speed of time.

The days are just flying by

Emphasizes the rapid and continuous movement of days.

I can't believe how much time has passed

Expresses disbelief and astonishment at the amount of time that has elapsed.

The sands of time are running out

Uses a metaphorical image to suggest that time is limited and dwindling.

FAQs

What does "How time flies" mean?

The expression "How time flies" is an idiom that conveys the feeling that time passes quickly, especially when one is enjoying themselves or reflecting on past events.

What can I say instead of "How time flies"?

You can use alternatives like "time passes quickly", "time goes by so fast", or "where did the time go" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to express.

Is it grammatically correct to say "How time flies"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "How" functions as an adverb emphasizing the speed at which time passes, and "time flies" is a statement indicating the action of time moving quickly.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "How time flies"?

It's appropriate to use "How time flies" when you want to express a sense of surprise or nostalgia regarding the swift passage of time, often in the context of reminiscing about past events or observing children growing up.