it will fly about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will fly about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that will move or travel around in a lively or erratic manner. Example: "When the wind picks up, the leaves will fly about in all directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On Oct. 25, it will fly about 130 miles from the sun.

Los Angeles Times

It will fly about and confront another male to repel it, or to assert dominance over a female.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Stone Creations paint contains particles that will fly about when the paint is sprayed; keep covered anything you don't want painted (like the cabinets).

WikiHow

It is can be autonomous and it will fly for about 20 minutes," said Seager.

The Guardian

The Osprey looks like the ungainly offspring of a helicopter and an airplane, but Marine Corps officials say it will fly faster, about 300 miles an hour; carry more troops, as many as 24 fully armed soldiers; and travel farther, more than 2,100 miles without refueling, than a helicopter.

The New York Times

It will fly slowly, only at about 70kph in windless conditions.

The Economist

It will fly at an average altitude of 705km and orbit the Earth about every 99 minutes.

The Economist

"It will fly only if the Federal Highway Administration decides it will fly," said Mr. English, whose Third Congressional District covers about 30 miles of the western edge of I-80.

The New York Times

"It will fly".

The New York Times

"While it will be controversial, I think it will fly".

The New York Times

On Tuesday it will fly to Tokyo.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it will fly about", consider the image you want to evoke. This phrase is best for describing light objects moving freely and somewhat erratically in the air.

Common error

Avoid using "it will fly about" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the manner of movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will fly about" functions as a verb phrase indicating future movement. This suggests a prediction or expectation of an object or entity moving in a somewhat uncontrolled or erratic manner. Examples in Ludwig illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it will fly about" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe erratic or uncontrolled movement, generally in informal to neutral contexts. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is found in news and media as well as wiki-based sources. To ensure clarity and precision, consider the intended imagery. While usable in many situations, remember to consider more formal alternatives in professional writing to maintain a level of sophistication suitable for the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will flutter around

Replaces the active flight with a gentle, wavering motion.

it will flit about

Implies a quick, darting movement from place to place.

it will circulate

Suggests movement within a defined area or system.

it will roam around

Emphasizes aimless wandering over a larger area.

it will drift around

Highlights a passive movement, often influenced by external forces like wind.

it will zip around

Conveys a sense of rapid and energetic movement.

it will move around

Is a general term for changing position without specifying how.

it will whirl around

Suggests a spinning or circular motion.

it will bounce around

Indicates erratic and lively movement, like an object hitting multiple surfaces.

it will swirl around

Describes a fluid motion, often in a circular pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "it will fly about" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe something moving erratically through the air, as in "During the storm, debris "it will fly about" dangerously."

What are some alternatives to "it will fly about"?

Consider alternatives like "it will flutter around", "it will drift around", or "it will move around" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it will fly about" formal or informal?

This phrase tends to lean towards informal or descriptive contexts rather than formal or technical writing. Choose more precise language for professional documents.

What kind of subjects are best described with "it will fly about"?

This phrase is best used for light objects that are moved by the wind or some other force like leaves, dust, or small scraps of paper.