Started flying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Started flying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of the action of flying, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After months of training, she finally started flying solo in her new aircraft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bottles started flying.

The New York Times

Beer bottles started flying.

The Economist

Then the bullets started flying.

The Economist

Rumors started flying".

The New York Times

I started flying".

The New York Times

Then lingerie started flying toward the stage.

The New Yorker

Once the bullets started flying, chaos ensued.

The New York Times

Anger boiled over and fists started flying.

The Economist

Suddenly, stones started flying back and forth.

The New Yorker

That was when the eggs started flying.

The Guardian

Sweat started flying with the spit.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a historical event or a sequence of actions, use "started flying" to clearly indicate the initiation of flight, such as "The airline started flying this route in 1984."

Common error

Avoid using "started flying" in highly technical aviation reports where more precise terminology like "commenced takeoff" or "initiated flight sequence" is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started flying" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of the act of flying. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to describe when airlines begin operations, or when individuals begin learning to fly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started flying" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of flight, whether by an individual, an aircraft, or an airline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. It's a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal settings, though it might be less appropriate in highly technical aviation reports. Related phrases include "began to fly" and "commenced flying", offering similar meanings with slight variations in formality. While "started flying" is generally acceptable, being mindful of the context and audience is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Began to fly

Replaces "started" with "began", maintaining the same meaning of commencing flight.

Commenced flying

Substitutes "started" with the more formal "commenced", implying a formal or official start to flying.

Took to the skies

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate the beginning of flying.

Initiated flight

Replaces "started" with "initiated", suggesting a deliberate or planned beginning of flying.

Began aerial activity

Rephrases the concept to focus on the activity of flying rather than just the act of starting.

Lifted off

Focuses on the specific action of taking off, implying the start of a flight journey.

Became airborne

Describes the state of being in flight from a certain moment.

Embarked on a flight

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey via flying.

Pioneered aviation

Suggests the beginning of new developments, exploration, or adventures in the field of flying.

Launched into the air

Replaces "started flying" with a more vivid description of launching upwards.

FAQs

How can I use "started flying" in a sentence?

You can use "started flying" to describe the beginning of an airline's operations, as in "British Airways "started flying" to Chambéry in late 2010", or to describe when someone began learning to fly.

What is a more formal alternative to "started flying"?

A more formal alternative to "started flying" could be "commenced flight operations" or "initiated air service", depending on the context. Both phrases add a level of professional tone suitable for business or official communications.

What's the difference between "began flying" and "started flying"?

While "began flying" and "started flying" are largely interchangeable, "began flying" might imply a gradual process, whereas ""started flying"" can suggest a more defined point of commencement.

Is it correct to say "started to fly" instead of "started flying"?

Yes, "started to fly" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to ""started flying"". The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference, with "started flying" sounding slightly more concise.