on the wing

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the wing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means "in motion/action". For example, you could say: "The plane took off, soaring on the wing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's on the wing.

The New Yorker

Bluebirds on the wing?

The Guardian - Film

(Predictably enough, he played on the wing).

Independent

Mating is completed on the wing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Like a bird on the wing".

The Guardian

ON THE WING: A Young American Abroad.

The New York Times - Books

Four small turbines are mounted on the wing.

The New Yorker

These agile fliers dart about catching insects on the wing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A leaf in the wind, a bird on the wing.

Independent

It is life caught on the wing, in the raw.

Independent

They also drink, bathe, and sometimes mate on the wing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the wing" to describe an action, ensure it aligns with the subject's ability to be in motion, such as birds, insects, or metaphorical representations of swift movement or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "on the wing" to describe things that are inherently stationary or concepts that lack the capacity for physical motion. This can create confusing or nonsensical imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the wing" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate that an action is performed while flying or moving rapidly. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the wing" is a common idiom primarily functioning as an adverbial phrase that signifies being in flight or in rapid motion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse fields like news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral, the tone may range from formal to informal depending on the context. Be mindful of accurately applying this phrase to subjects that are capable of being airborne or in motion. Remember that similar phrases like "in flight" or "on the move" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in flight

Focuses specifically on the state of flying, omitting the broader sense of activity.

on the move

Indicates a change of location or activity, similar to "on the wing" but less formal.

in motion

General term indicating movement, less specific than "on the wing".

in transit

Emphasizes the act of traveling from one place to another.

in action

Highlights activity and performance, often in a dynamic or energetic way.

under way

Signifies that something has begun and is progressing.

out and about

Suggests being active and visible in public.

on duty

Refers specifically to being engaged in work or a particular task.

on assignment

Implies being sent somewhere to perform a specific task.

on patrol

Describes the act of guarding or monitoring an area.

FAQs

How can I use "on the wing" in a sentence?

You can use "on the wing" to describe something that is flying or in motion. For example, "The bird caught its prey "on the wing"".

What does "on the wing" mean?

The phrase "on the wing" typically means in flight or in motion. It can also metaphorically describe something that is happening quickly or spontaneously.

Which is correct, "on the wing" or "in the wing"?

"On the wing" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "In the wing" would generally refer to something physically located inside the structure of a wing.

What are some similar phrases to "on the wing"?

Alternatives to "on the wing" include "in flight", "in motion", or "on the move" depending on the specific context.