learning on the fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "learning on the fly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the ability to learn or adapt quickly in a dynamic or changing environment. Example: "In the fast-paced world of technology, professionals often find themselves learning on the fly to keep up with new developments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"We have talked to our young ones about learning fast and learning on the fly and having the older players provide examples for them".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a pretty ambitious project, and one that is very much going to be about learning on the fly.

TechCrunch

"We're learning on the fly," Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

We pretty much are learning on the fly.

The New York Times - Sports

Halsey, 23, is learning on the fly, and the Yankees' hitters could not cover his mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

The academy's teachers were learning on the fly who was sitting in their classrooms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

These A-teams can be used to create improved logistical networks (e.g. imagine Amazon delivery drones learning on-the-fly and helping to improve the operations of Amazon warehouses), design complex software, discover new drugs or design new space probes.

TechCrunch

The projects are constructed in hopes of fostering the ability to think flexibly and learn on-the-fly, rather than try to predict what knowledge will be valuable.

TechCrunch

It can also learn on-the-fly whenever user feedback is available in the form of correct labels of the predicted states.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

We just have to learn on the fly".

The New York Times - Sports

Parents learned on the fly, she said — and it showed.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "learning on the fly", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation where someone is forced to learn quickly and adapt to immediate demands, often without prior preparation.

Common error

Avoid using "learning on the fly" when the situation involves planned training or gradual skill development. This phrase specifically implies learning during active engagement, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "learning on the fly" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of acquiring knowledge or skills rapidly and often unexpectedly while actively engaged in a task. Ludwig provides examples showing it in various contexts, indicating its versatility in describing adaptive learning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "learning on the fly" is a common phrase used to describe the process of rapidly acquiring knowledge or skills while actively engaged in a task, often in unexpected or unprepared situations. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and business. It's essential to consider the level of formality required in your writing, opting for more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly indicates a real-time, adaptive learning scenario. Ludwig's examples provide valuable insights into its diverse applications, confirming its effectiveness in conveying adaptability and quick thinking under pressure. The alternative phrases include: "adapting in real-time", "learning as you go", or "improvising knowledge".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learning in the moment

Highlights the immediacy of the learning experience, without necessarily implying improvisation or unpreparedness.

learning as you go

Focuses on the continuous learning process during an activity, differing from "learning on the fly" which implies a quicker, more immediate need for knowledge.

real-time knowledge acquisition

More formal and academic, diverging slightly from the everyday usage of "learning on the fly".

adapting in real-time

Emphasizes adaptation to changing circumstances while gaining knowledge, less focused on the learning aspect itself.

improvising knowledge

Highlights the act of creating or applying knowledge spontaneously, deviating from simply acquiring it.

gaining experience on the spot

Shifts the emphasis to gaining experience rather than explicit learning, with a stronger connotation of practical application.

acquiring skills instantly

Concentrates on the rapid acquisition of abilities, possibly omitting the trial-and-error process involved in "learning on the fly".

picking it up instantly

Implies intuitive learning without formal instruction or extensive effort, changing the learning method.

rapid skill development

Focuses more on the outcome (skill development) and less on the real-time learning process, changing the learning method.

instantaneous comprehension

Emphasizes quick understanding or grasping of concepts rather than the broader process of learning.

FAQs

How can I use "learning on the fly" in a sentence?

Use "learning on the fly" to describe situations where someone is rapidly acquiring knowledge or skills while actively engaged in a task, often due to unexpected circumstances. For instance, "The new recruits were "learning on the fly" during the crisis simulation".

What's the difference between "learning on the fly" and "learning on the job"?

"Learning on the job" refers to acquiring skills and knowledge through practical work experience, usually with some guidance or structure. "Learning on the fly", in contrast, emphasizes a more spontaneous and often unprepared acquisition of knowledge during immediate action, check the example provided by Ludwig.

What are some alternatives to "learning on the fly"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "adapting in real-time", "learning as you go", or "improvising knowledge" as alternatives to "learning on the fly".

Is "learning on the fly" appropriate for formal writing?

While "learning on the fly" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "real-time knowledge acquisition" to maintain a higher degree of formality.