fly

USAGE SUMMARY

"fly" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a noun, meaning an insect, or a verb, meaning to move through the air. Example: "The flies were buzzing around the room, and the little bird flew from one window to another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Jonathan was due to fly to Paris on Friday for a summit hosted by François Hollande, the French president, to discuss the security threat posed by Boko Haram.

The Guardian

A lot of journalists the world over fly through Heathrow.

The Guardian

They were arrested on their way to Manchester airport to fly to Pakistan in March 2007.

The Guardian

It takes a deflection and skids up off the surface and Poland are grateful to see it fly straight into the hands of Tyton.

The Guardian - Sport

A long-time member, Peter Rücker, who watched Lubitz learn to fly, said he had been upbeat when he returned to the club last autumn to renew his glider pilot's licence.

The Guardian

"It seems very likely there was what they call fly ash," she said, referring to ash which collected in the flues of the cremators.

The Guardian

In a nod to news stories that have emerged from the country gamers can also ride Chicago Bulls basketballs, in homage to Denis Rodman, and fly giant rabbits based on reports that the North Korean embassy requested a shipment from a breeder in Germany in 2007.

The Guardian

Ben Arnold In July 1937, while attempting to fly around the world, Amelia Earhart went missing in the Pacific.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Open 8pm - late Ryanair fly direct to Granada-Jaen airport, from £14.99 one way (including taxes).

The Guardian - Travel

"NGOs can provide the training around small-scale fly rearing practices," says Lewis. "This will help farmers to better utilise waste for the benefit of animal rearing".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I don't think we'll be seeing Arab countries getting involved in Syria with their own military, but rather a spearhead being held by Syrian soldiers with greater logistical support from abroad, and possibly enforcement of a no-fly zone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fly" as a verb, ensure the tense is correct. "Flew" is the past tense, and "flown" is the past participle. Using the wrong tense can confuse the meaning of your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "fly" when you mean "flee," which means to run away from danger. While "fly" can mean to escape, "flee" is more appropriate when emphasizing escaping a threatening situation.

Linguistic Context

The word "fly" functions primarily as a verb, denoting the action of moving through the air, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples like "Jonathan was due to fly to Paris" or "A long-time member, Peter Rücker, who watched Lubitz learn to fly." It can also function as a noun, referring to an insect or part of clothing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "fly" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb meaning to move through the air or as a noun referring to an insect. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears frequently in news, sports, and travel contexts. While generally neutral, its specific meaning is highly context-dependent. Common errors include confusing it with "flee". To improve writing, ensure correct tense usage. Overall, "fly" is a common and widely understood word with diverse applications, making it essential for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take flight

Emphasizes the act of beginning to fly or escape.

soar through the air

Focuses on graceful and elevated flight.

display the flag

Specifically refers to showing or waving a flag.

travel by air

Highlights the mode of transportation.

flee the scene

Indicates a quick escape from a location.

take off

Implies starting a journey by air.

ascend rapidly

Focuses on the quick upward movement.

operate an aircraft

Refers to piloting or controlling an airplane.

travel swiftly

Highlights quick movement in general, not necessarily by air.

flutter about

Suggests light, irregular movement, often by insects.

FAQs

How can I use "fly" in a sentence?

The word "fly" can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb: "Birds can "fly" south for the winter." As a noun: "There's a "fly" in my soup!"

What are some synonyms for the verb "fly"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "fly" include "soar", "glide", "ascend", or "escape".

Is it correct to say "I flied"?

No, "flied" is an archaic or dialectal past tense form. The correct past tense of "fly" is "flew".

What is the difference between "fly" as a verb and "flight" as a noun?

"Fly" is the verb that describes the action of moving through the air. "Flight" is the noun that refers to the act or process of flying; for example, "the "flight" was delayed".