I can fly

USAGE SUMMARY

'I can fly' is a grammatically correct and usable sentence in written English.
It is an example of a sentence using the modal verb 'can' to express ability or possibility. For example: - I can fly to New York next weekend if I book my ticket now. - The superhero in the movie can fly at incredible speeds. - Despite her fear of heights, she can fly a small plane with ease. - I can fly a kite higher than anyone else in my family. - The bird can fly to great heights in search of food.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can fly.

The New Yorker

It's like I can fly!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am dying, and I believe I can fly.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Oh my God — I just remembered I can fly".

The New Yorker

Kelly won a Grammy in 1997 for his gospel-tinged "I Believe I Can Fly".

The New York Times

"I feel like I can fly," he added, throwing both arms wide.

The New York Times

Ms. Quinones, of Puerto Rico, will be singing, too -- the hit "I Believe I Can Fly".

The New York Times

So tonight, Naomi, just for you, I'm going to sing I Believe I Can Fly".

The Guardian - Books

Petr Cech, master of the sideways leap, picks R Kelly's I Believe I Can Fly.

The Guardian - Sport

"They say that I can fly, do you believe it?" he said.

The New York Times

"We go to Scotland so I can fly the birds," he says.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I can fly" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, such as feeling empowered or overcoming challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "I can fly" in formal or technical contexts where a literal interpretation could cause confusion. Choose more precise language that directly conveys your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can fly" primarily functions as a statement of ability or possibility. According to Ludwig, this modal verb construction expresses what the speaker is capable of doing. Examples from Ludwig show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I can fly" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the ability to fly, or more often, a feeling of freedom or empowerment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively uses the modal verb 'can' to indicate capability. It's widely used in news, media, and informal contexts. When using it metaphorically, ensure that the context makes this clear to avoid misinterpretation. Remember that while versatile, it might not be appropriate for all formal or technical writing. Alternatives like "I am able to fly" or "I feel empowered" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am able to fly

Emphasizes the ability to fly using a more formal construction.

I have the ability to fly

Highlights the possession of the skill or capacity to fly.

I am capable of flying

Indicates competence or qualification to fly.

I am permitted to fly

Suggests permission or authorization to fly.

I am allowed to fly

Similar to 'permitted', but with a slightly less formal tone.

I have wings to fly

Uses metaphorical language to express the freedom or means to achieve something.

I feel like I can fly

Expresses a feeling of empowerment or exhilaration, often metaphorical.

I'm soaring

Emphasizes the sensation of flying, conveying a sense of achievement and joy.

I am up to flying

Implies readiness or willingness to fly.

I have it in me to fly

Highlights the inner strength or potential to fly, either literally or metaphorically.

FAQs

What does "I can fly" mean?

Literally, "I can fly" means having the ability to move through the air using wings or other means. Figuratively, it often expresses a feeling of freedom, empowerment, or overcoming limitations.

How can I use "I can fly" in a sentence?

You can use "I can fly" in sentences like, "After finishing the project, I felt like "I can fly"", or "With the new technology, "I can fly" to meet my deadline".

What can I say instead of "I can fly" to express empowerment?

You can use alternatives like "I feel invincible", "I feel empowered", or "I feel liberated".

Is it correct to say "I can to fly"?

No, "I can to fly" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""I can fly"", where 'can' is a modal verb and is followed by the base form of the verb.