flew by

USAGE SUMMARY

"flew by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has happened quickly, that went by in a flash. For example: "The weekend flew by and it was Monday morning again already."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That just flew by!" But it didn't... for me.

Huffington Post

The week flew by.

The New York Times

Several months flew by.

The New Yorker

Bouvier flew by private jet from Geneva.

The New Yorker

A flock of pigeons flew by.

The New Yorker

The rest of the debate flew by.

The New York Times

A pair of toucans flew by.

The New Yorker

In this way, eighth grade flew by.

The New York Times

Allez!" as the peloton flew by.

The New York Times - Sports

The train journey flew by.

The Guardian - Travel

It flew by, they recalled.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flew by" to vividly describe the quick passage of time or the swift movement of an object. This phrase is particularly effective in narratives and descriptive writing where you want to convey a sense of speed or brevity.

Common error

Avoid using "flew by" in situations where a slower, more deliberate pace is intended. It's best suited for conveying speed or brevity, not for describing gradual or prolonged events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flew by" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of something passing quickly, whether it's time elapsing or an object moving. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flew by" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys the quick passage of time or swift movement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Primarily found in news and media, it serves to emphasize speed or brevity. While versatile, it's best suited for narrative and informal contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "passed quickly" or "progressed swiftly". Remember to use "flew by" to create a vivid image of speed or the rapid elapsing of time. Understanding its context and register ensures its appropriate and impactful use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passed quickly

This alternative emphasizes the speed of passing, similar to "flew by".

went by rapidly

Focuses on the swiftness of time elapsing, mirroring the original phrase.

rushed past

Conveys a sense of quick movement, like something passing at high speed.

sped past

Highlights the speed at which something moved.

elapsed quickly

Specifically relates to the quick passage of time.

whizzed by

An informal way to say something moved or time passed very fast.

vanished quickly

Implies a rapid disappearance or passing.

slipped away

Suggests a subtle but fast passing of time.

progressed swiftly

Emphasizes quick progress or advancement.

moved swiftly

Highlights the fast pace of movement or progression.

FAQs

How can I use "flew by" in a sentence?

You can use "flew by" to describe how quickly time passed or how fast something moved. For example, "The weekend "flew by"" or "The bird "flew by" the window".

What's a synonym for "flew by" when talking about time?

Alternatives to "flew by" when referring to time include "passed quickly", "went by rapidly", or "elapsed quickly".

Is it appropriate to use "flew by" in formal writing?

While "flew by" is widely understood, it is generally more suitable for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "passed quickly" or "progressed swiftly".

Can "flew by" be used to describe something other than time?

Yes, "flew by" can also describe the quick movement of objects. For instance, "The ball "flew by" the batter" indicates rapid movement.