glass flew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glass flew" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe glass being propelled or thrown, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "As the window shattered, shards of glass flew across the room."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The window glass flew".

The New York Times

Cars, body parts and broken glass flew through the air.

The New York Times

Broken glass flew by me as if shot from a fire hose.

The New Yorker

At the schools, door frames split, ceiling tiles dropped and glass flew into corkboard.

The Washington Post

Glass flew on our faces, and boys were screaming and crying.

The New York Times

Glass flew all over the car, and my mother's thigh was bleeding.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He had been in the kitchen when the explosion "shook the earth" and sent glass flying.

The New York Times

A flask burst with a bang, sending shards of glass flying around the classroom.

The New York Times

As we were coming out there was glass flying everywhere and so much smoke.

The Guardian

The blast sent a hailstorm of glass flying into the lanes around the building.

The New York Times

Bricks, slate tiles, and glass flying through the air made walking in the streets as perilous as crossing a battlefield.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "glass flew" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "shards of glass scattered" or "glass was sent flying" to clearly convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Don't use "glass flew" when you mean to describe the action of glass breaking and being propelled. Using more descriptive verbs such as "shattered", "scattered", or "ejected" creates a clearer and more vivid image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glass flew" functions as a description of an event, typically involving a sudden and forceful breaking of glass. Ludwig AI analysis suggests that the phrase may not be grammatically correct, it's found in news reports describing scenarios like explosions or accidents. This kind of construction seeks to emphasize the dynamic movement of the glass.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glass flew" is used to describe scenarios where glass shatters and its fragments are propelled through the air, often due to an explosion or high-impact event. However, Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically incorrect, and other more descriptive terms are preferable. While the phrase appears in news media, it's important to consider alternatives such as "shards of glass scattered" or "glass was sent flying" for better clarity and grammatical correctness. Using clearer language will improve the impact and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragments of glass flew

Similar, but specifies "fragments" instead of just "glass".

glass was sent flying

More descriptive and grammatically acceptable alternative.

glass shattered

Focuses on the action of the glass breaking, rather than its movement.

shards of glass scattered

Emphasizes the fragmentation and dispersion of the glass.

glass was propelled

A more grammatically sound way of saying the glass was forced into motion.

glass was thrown

Suggests a deliberate action of throwing the glass.

glass pieces were ejected

Emphasizes the forceful expulsion of the glass pieces.

flying glass

Adjectival form describing glass in motion.

glass particles scattered

Highlights the small size and widespread distribution of the glass.

glass debris was launched

Implies a forceful and sudden projection of glass debris.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct way to say "glass flew"?

Instead of "glass flew", consider using phrases like "glass shattered", "shards of glass scattered", or "glass was sent flying" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy.

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

No, it is generally not appropriate to use "glass flew" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and standard English alternatives like "glass fragments flew" or phrases that clearly describe the action and direction of the glass.

What does "glass flew" mean?

"Glass flew" is often used to describe a situation where glass breaks and pieces are propelled through the air, typically due to an explosion, impact, or strong force. However, it's better to use a more descriptive term for accuracy, such as "glass was propelled".

What can I say instead of "the glass flew out of the window"?

You could say "the "glass shards flew out of the window"", "the "glass was ejected from the window"", or "the "window glass shattered and scattered"". These alternatives provide more detail and are grammatically clearer.