as it flies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it flies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens in real-time or concurrently with another action, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "She made adjustments to the project as it flies, ensuring everything stayed on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bird can become short of breath as it flies on the spot, waiting to be released by its handler.

The Guardian

As its name implies, the Hexcopter has six rotor blades that provide stability as it flies.

The Guardian

It is expected to grow brighter as it flies toward the sun and more gases sublimate out of its nucleus.

Los Angeles Times

4. --shoot Folly as it flies.

Yale University

5. --shoot Folly as it flies.

Yale University

Carrot fly is easy to outwit as it flies low and in straight lines.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is short-sighted as it flies in the face of charities' missions.

The Guardian

That way, the golden beam carries an electric current as it flies through the apparatus.

The Economist

But it might have to slow down as it flies over the US.

Independent

The glare of the headlight With a WHOOSH of thunder as it flies by us.

The New York Times

The plate may wobble or flutter as it flies, never completing a full rotation, or it may enter an autorotational flight mode.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it flies" to vividly describe actions or changes occurring during movement, adding a sense of immediacy and dynamism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as it flies" when describing stationary objects or situations; it implies motion and can sound awkward if misused. Use it when the subject is actively moving through the air or space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it flies" functions as an adverbial clause modifying a verb, indicating the timing or manner of an action concurrent with something in flight. Ludwig examples show this describing both literal and metaphorical flight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it flies" is grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial clause to describe actions occurring simultaneously with something moving through the air. It is versatile enough for both literal and metaphorical use, adding dynamism to descriptions. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and academic writing. When using "as it flies", ensure it accurately reflects simultaneous action during movement to avoid misuse, and consider alternatives like "in mid-flight" or "while airborne" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in mid-flight

Focuses specifically on the airborne state, emphasizing the middle portion of the flight.

while airborne

Highlights the condition of being in the air during the action.

during its trajectory

Emphasizes the path or course an object takes while flying.

on its way

Indicates a journey or progression toward a destination, rather than specifically flight.

in transit

Broadly refers to the process of moving from one place to another, including but not limited to flying.

as it progresses

Focuses on the advancement or development of something, applicable to both physical and abstract processes.

while in motion

Emphasizes the state of movement, which could be flying, running, or any other type of movement.

in real-time

Highlights that an action occurs instantaneously or without delay, often used in a technological context.

on the fly

Refers to doing something quickly or spontaneously, often involving improvisation or adaptation.

as it unfolds

Emphasizes the gradual revelation or development of events or a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "as it flies" in a sentence?

Use "as it flies" to describe an action happening concurrently with something moving through the air. For example, "The drone collects data "as it flies" over the field".

What are some alternatives to "as it flies"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in mid-flight", "while airborne", or "during its trajectory" to convey a similar meaning. Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis of the sentence.

Is it correct to use "as it flies" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "as it flies" can be used metaphorically to describe something changing or progressing rapidly, even if it's not literally flying. An example could be, "She adapted her strategy "as it flies", responding to new information".

What's the difference between "as it flies" and "on the fly"?

"As it flies" typically describes a continuous action happening during movement, while "on the fly" implies making quick, often impromptu decisions or adjustments. For example, fixing a bug on the fly means resolving it quickly without extensive planning.