flying

USAGE SUMMARY

'flying' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb to refer to the action of propelling oneself through the air, often using wings, or as an adjective to refer to something that is moving through the air. Example sentence: The eagle soared through the sky, its wings lifting it up and flying higher and higher.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Arts

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emergency services said on Friday the decision had been made because of the danger posed by flying debris in the predicted strong winds.

The Guardian

But on his third bout of global diplomacy since the attacks on America the prime minister got to within three hours' flying time across the Gulf of Oman.

The Guardian

GWYNETH PALTROW'S GOING TO SEE MY BITS!!!" After Olley survived exposure to fashionistas while naked in a confined space with flying moths ("I wanted my knickers back on pronto"), she ran across Isabella Blow.

The Guardian - Arts

Theresa Villiers, the Northern Ireland secretary, also appealed to unionist leaders to return to the negotiating table over controversial parades, the flying of flags and the legacy of Ulster's violent past.

The Guardian

But for all we (and Uefa) might suspect it was an Albanian flying it, without proof it is surely difficult to censure them for it.

The Guardian - Sport

As PriyankaV wrote: I felt that an important theme of the book was the vantage that flying provided him, both literally and metaphorically – whether it included looking down at the earth and up at the stars or the distance from people that the job entailed.

The Guardian - Books

BillyMills again: It's interesting that the Spanish chapter, which is not at all about flying, is the climax of the book; his experience of war seems to have moved his position a bit away from the solitary and towards the communal, and that is evidenced by the sheer number of other people who inhabit, indeed dominate, that chapter.

The Guardian - Books

So some smugglers are routing their charges further south, to Egypt, and the beaches of Alexandria and Damietta, or else flying them to Algiers and Tripoli for onward shipment through the central Mediterranean.

The Guardian

Jamie Cripps kicked five goals; the best a flying volley from the goal-square in the third term to put the Eagles ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

Enthusiastic Wii Sports usage has seen televisions destroyed by flying remotes and a variety of injuries, including fractured limbs, dislocated knee caps, torn knee ligaments and facial injuries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Andreas became a member of the association and wanted his dream of flying to be realised.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing rapid movement or progress, consider using "flying" to convey a sense of speed and efficiency. For example, "The project is flying ahead of schedule."

Common error

Avoid overusing "flying" in metaphorical contexts where it doesn't genuinely contribute to the description. For instance, saying "ideas were flying around the room" is a cliché and could be replaced with more specific imagery.

Linguistic Context

Flying primarily functions as a verb form (present participle or gerund) to describe the action of moving through the air. It can also be used as an adjective modifying nouns, as Ludwig highlights in several examples like "flying debris" or "flying machines".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Film

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "flying" is a versatile word commonly used as a verb or adjective to describe movement through the air, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts, from literal descriptions of aircraft and birds to metaphorical expressions of speed and progress. While generally grammatically sound, it's important to use "flying" thoughtfully in metaphorical contexts to avoid clichés. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the word's prevalence in News & Media, Sport, and Travel, and highlights how it is a good word to use in your writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in flight

Focuses specifically on the state of being airborne during a journey.

soaring

Emphasizes a graceful and upward movement through the air.

airborne

Highlights the condition of being lifted or transported by air.

gliding

Implies a smooth and effortless movement through the air, often without propulsion.

taking wing

Suggests the action of starting to fly, especially for birds.

in the air

Broadly refers to something that is present or happening in the atmosphere.

aviating

A more technical term for piloting or operating an aircraft.

air traveling

Focuses on the act of traveling by airplane.

winging its way

A poetic or metaphorical expression for traveling quickly or directly.

sky bound

Emphasizes direction or destiny toward the sky.

FAQs

How can "flying" be used in a sentence?

"Flying" can be used in various contexts, such as describing the action of birds ("birds flying"), airplanes ("airplanes flying"), or even metaphorically to describe rapid progress.

What are some synonyms for "flying" when describing movement?

Alternatives include "soaring", "gliding", or "airborne" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "flying" as an adjective?

Yes, "flying" can be used as an adjective, as in "flying machines" or "flying debris".

What's the difference between "flying" and "floating"?

"Flying" typically implies powered or directed movement through the air, while "floating" suggests a more passive, weightless suspension.