lesson on the fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesson on the fly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is learning or teaching something spontaneously or without prior preparation. Example: "During the meeting, I had to give a lesson on the fly about the new software updates to ensure everyone was on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Consider it an economics lesson on the fly.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What started as a lark for three pro photographer buddies, ended up as some heroic images, and a lesson on how a little lighting can turn daytime shots on-the-fly into powerful images.

The New York Times

Its curriculum-management software matches classroom lessons to state standards and can generate test items for on-the-fly diagnostic assessment.

Forbes

Koppelman records his lessons on the fly, usually while walking around New York, the city rushing by in the background.

The New Yorker

Gates praised alternative models for education, showing off a program for teaching algebra that actively monitored how the student was doing, what methods of teaching worked, and adjusted the lessons on the fly.

TechCrunch

Use our lesson plan, On the Fly: Studying Bird Migration and Behavior, to find many ideas for bringing bird study into the classroom.

The New York Times

The program continues next weekend with a double feature of two early documentaries by the Dardennes: "For the War to End, the Walls Should Have Crumbled" (1980) and "Lessons From a University on the Fly" (1982).

The New York Times

While we can expect that such plans will be tossed together when necessary, I would hope that Katrina taught us a few lessons about developing plans on the fly after the disaster has already arrived.

Huffington Post

The site evolved on the fly.

The New Yorker

The evolution happened on the fly.

The New York Times - Arts

"She can make adjustments on the fly".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lesson on the fly" when you want to emphasize the adaptability and improvisation involved in teaching or learning something in a dynamic or unexpected situation.

Common error

Avoid using "lesson on the fly" merely to describe improvisation without any educational context. The phrase implies that teaching or learning is taking place, not just spontaneous action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesson on the fly" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (lesson) to describe how the lesson is delivered. Ludwig examples show it depicting spontaneous teaching or adjustments made in real-time. It is also a prepositional phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lesson on the fly" is a phrase used to describe a spontaneous or improvised teaching moment, highlighting adaptability and quick thinking. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is relatively rare. It’s most commonly found in news and media, though it can appear in wiki and science contexts as well. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize the immediate and responsive nature of the teaching, but be mindful of its informal tone. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "extemporaneous teaching" or "unplanned instruction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Improvised lesson

Focuses specifically on the impromptu nature of the lesson itself.

Ad-libbed lesson

Emphasizes the spontaneous, unscripted delivery of the lesson.

Extemporaneous teaching

Highlights the act of teaching without prepared notes.

Spontaneous instruction

Emphasizes the unplanned, immediate nature of the teaching.

Impulsive learning

Focuses on the sudden, often reactive nature of gaining knowledge.

Unplanned learning

Emphasizes the lack of forethought in the learning process.

Adaptive learning

Highlights the capability to modify the lesson based on current circumstances and also could apply to any learning context.

Real-time adjustments to the lesson

Stresses immediate and on-going changes while delivering the lesson.

Thinking on your feet while teaching

Focuses on the mental agility required during the lesson.

Making it up as you go along

Emphasizes the improvisational and unstructured character of the lesson.

FAQs

What does "lesson on the fly" mean?

A "lesson on the fly" refers to a learning experience that is delivered or acquired spontaneously and without extensive preparation. It often happens in response to immediate needs or unexpected situations.

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

You can use it to describe situations where someone is teaching or explaining something without prior planning. For example: "During the crisis, the manager had to give a "lesson on the fly" about emergency procedures."

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

Alternatives include "improvised lesson", "spontaneous instruction", or "ad-libbed lesson". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "lesson on the fly" formal or informal?

"Lesson on the fly" is generally considered informal due to its idiomatic nature. In formal settings, it's better to use more precise terms such as "extemporaneous teaching" or "unplanned instruction".