begins to fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begins to fly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the moment when something or someone starts the action of flying, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "As the sun rose, the bird begins to fly, soaring into the clear blue sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

And so the fur begins to fly.

The New Yorker

I roll down the window, and my hair begins to fly.

The New Yorker

And when biotechnologists dare to trespass into areas such as cloning people, the fur really begins to fly.

The Economist

When Rose arrives with her other son (Adam LeFevre), his nagging wife (Christine Baranski) and their two bratty children, the fur begins to fly.

The New York Times

She is hungry to talk, and so is Paley, whose language, already so fleet and free, now really begins to fly.

The New Yorker

"Do you really think I can hear you from up here?" And with that she begins to fly back and forth across the ceiling, laughing her tense, seductive laugh, brushing my hair with the tip of her foot.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Their arms began to fly.

The New York Times

Soon, accusations began to fly.

The New York Times

Stones began to fly.

The Guardian

At 6 05 A.M., the pigeons began to fly.

The New Yorker

Recriminations began to fly after the meeting ended.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begins to fly" to describe the initial stage of an action that involves taking flight, whether literal or metaphorical. This is particularly effective in narrative contexts to mark a pivotal moment of transition or initiation.

Common error

Avoid using "begins to fly" too literally in technical contexts where more precise terms like "liftoff" or "ascend" would be more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can sound repetitive or less professional in factual descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begins to fly" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of the action of flying. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in English writing. Examples show its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begins to fly" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered verb phrase that describes the start of the action of flying, whether literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples from news and media demonstrate its common usage in narrative and descriptive contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in technical settings where more precise terminology might be preferable. Alternative phrases such as "starts to fly" or "takes flight" can offer subtle variations in meaning and tone, allowing for more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts to fly

Replaces "begins" with "starts", indicating a similar point of commencement but with a slightly more informal tone.

commences flight

Uses a more formal verb, "commences", and a noun, "flight", lending a more elevated and deliberate tone to the action.

takes to the air

Emphasizes the action of ascending into the air, shifting the focus from the initiation to the actual upward movement.

ascends into the sky

Highlights the upward direction and the destination (the sky), adding a sense of grandeur and expansiveness.

initiates its flight

Focuses on the act of beginning a journey or action in the air, using a more technical or procedural tone.

rises into the air

Emphasizes the upward motion and the act of overcoming gravity, highlighting the effort involved in the ascent.

launches into flight

Conveys a sense of force and speed at the moment of initiating flight, suggesting a more dynamic and energetic start.

becomes airborne

Shifts the focus to the state of being in the air, rather than the act of starting to fly, emphasizing the transition from ground to air.

lifts off

Uses a more concise and common expression for starting to fly, especially used for aircraft, indicating a clear and immediate departure.

gets off the ground

Focuses on the act of leaving the ground, highlighting the contrast between being grounded and being in the air, often implying overcoming obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "begins to fly" to describe the start of a literal flight, such as "The bird "begins to fly" from its nest", or metaphorically, such as "Her career "begins to fly" after the promotion".

What are some alternatives to "begins to fly"?

Alternatives include "starts to fly", "takes flight", or "becomes airborne", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "began to fly" instead of "begins to fly"?

Yes, "began to fly" is the past tense form and is correct when referring to an action that started in the past. For example, "The project "began to fly" once the funding was secured".

What is the difference between "begins to fly" and "is flying"?

"Begins to fly" indicates the start of the action, while "is flying" describes an action in progress. "The plane "begins to fly"" means it's just starting, whereas "The plane "is flying"" means it's already in the air.