flies further than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flies further than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the distance or extent to which something travels or progresses, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In the race of innovation, creativity often flies further than mere technical skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That the ball flies further than ever is not just down to technology.

The Guardian - Sport

It flies further than any missile tested by the regime, triggering emergency sirens on the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

The Guardian

But the new film also flies further than its predecessors, being less self-enclosed than hitherto, and more inclined to seek the open air.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Officials in South Korea said the missile may have flown further than any other tested by North Korea.

The Guardian

Mile-for-mile (which is not an entirely fair comparison, as we generally fly further than we bike), motorcycling is more than 3,000 times more deadly than flying.

The Guardian - Opinion

They can't be flown further than 500 meters from the operator, or higher than 400 feet, which limits their usefulness for news gathering.

The Guardian

This research shows that more forage needs to be planted in the areas where bumblebees are flying further than other areas.

The Guardian

I understand it was an intermediate-range missile test but we are informed that it did fly further than previous tests.

The Guardian

I would fly further than I'd ever flown before, I could go on holiday with my family again and, hopefully, at some future date, die a happier death.

The Guardian

Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies claims that a hydrogen-powered fuel cell propulsion system it has designed has enabled a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to fly further than any other pilotless aircraft of this type.

Fuel Cells Bulletin

Spitfires had a range of less than 500 miles, while the Mustang's exceeded 2,000, nearly as far as the American B24 Liberator bomber, which could fly further than any other allied aircraft.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flies further than" to emphasize a difference in range, distance, or metaphorical reach between two subjects.

Common error

Avoid confusing 'further' (metaphorical or non-physical distance) with 'farther' (physical distance). While both can work with "flies", consider context. For literal flight distances, 'farther' might be more appropriate, but 'further' is acceptable in general usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flies further than" functions as a comparative expression. It indicates that one entity surpasses another in terms of distance, range, or reach. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis and examples, illustrating its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Opinion

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flies further than" is a grammatically sound comparative expression used to indicate superior range or reach, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and opinion contexts. The phrase is considered correct by Ludwig, although writers should be mindful of the 'further' vs. 'farther' distinction for optimal clarity. Related phrases like "travels a greater distance than" can be used for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flies a longer distance than

A more literal alternative, emphasizing the distance covered by flight.

travels a greater distance than

Emphasizes the physical distance covered, focusing on the quantitative aspect of the comparison.

extends beyond

Highlights the idea of surpassing a limit or boundary, often used in a metaphorical sense.

reaches farther than

Focuses on the act of arriving at a point beyond another, implying a destination or goal.

surpasses the distance of

More formal and precise, indicating a clear superiority in terms of distance.

goes the extra mile

Idiomatic expression suggesting a willingness to exceed expectations or put in extra effort.

outstrips in range

Highlights a comparative advantage in terms of scope or extent of coverage.

progresses further than

Focuses on advancement or development, indicating a greater degree of progress.

ventures into more distant territories than

Implies exploration and discovery, suggesting a willingness to explore uncharted areas.

achieves greater reach than

Emphasizes the impact or influence, indicating a broader scope of effectiveness.

FAQs

What does "flies further than" mean?

The phrase "flies further than" means that something or someone is capable of traveling or reaching a greater distance, either literally through flight or metaphorically in terms of progress or achievement, compared to something else.

When should I use "flies further than" in a sentence?

Use "flies further than" when you want to compare the range, distance, or reach of two different entities or actions. For example, "This new drone "flies further than" the previous model."

Is it correct to say "flies farther than" instead of "flies further than"?

Both "farther" and "further" can be used to describe distance. "Farther" typically refers to physical distance, while "further" can refer to metaphorical or non-physical distance. In the context of "flies", either word is generally acceptable, although some may prefer "farther" for literal flight distances.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "flies further than"?

You can use alternatives such as "travels a greater distance than", "reaches a more distant point than", or "extends beyond the range of" to convey a similar meaning.