play on the fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play on the fly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe making decisions or adjustments in real-time, often in a spontaneous or improvisational manner. Example: "During the meeting, we had to play on the fly as new information came in, adapting our strategy accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Boston's Bobby Valentine, who managed Ventura with the Mets, said Ventura had an uncanny sense of the proper practice drills, once redesigning the Mets' wheel play on the fly.

The New York Times - Sports

Without hearing their regular opening line, "This is all made up," you might not gather that these Chicagoans are masters of long-form improvisation, creating an original, full-length play on the fly at every performance.

The New York Times

You can skip ahead to the next song, but you can't select the order of play on the fly.

Forbes

Downloadable tracks are out, and "Guitar Hero TV" is in--a radio station-style presentation of new songs and song playlists to play on the fly.

Huffington Post

Learning to play on the fly will make you a better all-around player.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If it sounds like a living, pulsating thing, that's because it's a mix of on-the-fly live playing bolstered by modern electronics, a subtle difference between their best work and today's more compressed, programmed pop.

The Guardian - Music

Contextual intelligence powering a stack of user interactions during on-the-fly moments is playing a central part in how Google redesigned its Now on Tap service.

TechCrunch

This testimony irked Moses, who suddenly wanted Papp, who was already producing plays on the fly in Central Park, to begin charging for them.

The New York Times

It is a great, winding thing, fanhood is, played on the fly, and if you can follow it in Cleveland — home of the Browns and the Crooked River and unceasing heartbreak — through its many twists and turns, then you can follow it anywhere.

The New York Times - Sports

Call Your Shots allows the player to create his or her own plays on the fly and direct receivers where they should run.

TechCrunch

The point guard is responsible for running the coach's offensive plays on the field but also must have the knowledge of the coach's overarching game plan necessary to call plays on the fly when needed.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "play on the fly" when describing situations that require immediate adaptation and improvisation, especially in dynamic or unpredictable environments.

Common error

Avoid using "play on the fly" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language like "adapt in real-time" or "adjust dynamically".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play on the fly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. As evidenced by Ludwig, it indicates spontaneity and a lack of pre-planning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "play on the fly" describes the act of improvising or adapting to situations in real-time without prior preparation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though more prevalent in news, media and informal contexts. When more formality is needed, alternatives such as "adapt in real-time" or "improvise" are advisable. Remember to use "play on the fly" when conveying a sense of immediate adaptability, but avoid overusing it in strictly professional or scholarly writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adapt in real-time

Emphasizes the immediate adjustment to changing circumstances.

adjust on the spot

Highlights making quick changes without prior planning.

improvise

Focuses on the act of creating or performing spontaneously without preparation.

react dynamically

Stresses a responsive and changing reaction to a situation.

ad-lib

Commonly used in performing arts to describe unscheduled or improvised content.

think on your feet

Implies quick thinking and problem-solving in the moment.

act spontaneously

Highlights acting impulsively and without premeditation.

extemporize

Stresses performing or speaking without notes or preparation.

make it up as you go

Suggests a complete lack of planning and creating a plan during the process.

devise on the spur of the moment

Highlights creating a solution or plan with little or no forethought.

FAQs

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

You can use "play on the fly" to describe adapting to unexpected changes. For example, "We didn't have a script, so we had to "improvise" and "play on the fly" during the presentation".

What's a more formal way to say "play on the fly"?

In formal settings, consider using alternatives like "adapt in real-time" or "adjust dynamically" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "play on the fly" appropriate for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "play on the fly" might be too informal for academic writing. Alternatives such as "adapt in real-time" or "react dynamically" are more suitable.

What's the difference between "play on the fly" and "think on your feet"?

"Play on the fly" refers more to adapting actions or strategies in the moment, while "think on your feet" focuses on quick mental processing and decision-making under pressure.