time flew

USAGE SUMMARY

"time flew" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which time seems to have passed quickly. For example, "I can't believe how quickly the day went by! Time flew!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Time flew — it hypnotized.

The New Yorker

The time flew and everyone enjoyed the exercise.

University of California, Berkeley

When it came time for the exam, though, time flew.

The New York Times

Time flew by as they got to know more about each other.

Columbia University

The time flew by, without a cent spent at the usual tourist attractions.

The New York Times

It was strange how time flew by when you had nothing to remember it by.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Time flies.

The New York Times

Oh how the time flies".

The New York Times

Time flies," she says.

The Washington Post

Time flies, you know.

The New York Times

How time flies in this show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time flew" to vividly describe experiences where time seemed to pass quickly, especially when engaged in enjoyable or absorbing activities.

Common error

Avoid using "time fly" as it's grammatically incorrect. "Time flew" is the past tense and should be used to describe time that has already passed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time flew" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the subjective experience of time passing quickly. It typically serves as a comment on an event or period that felt shorter than it actually was. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time flew" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe the feeling that time has passed quickly. As Ludwig AI states, it's perfectly usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it serves to express subjective perceptions of time, often relating to enjoyable or engaging experiences. While grammatically sound, writers should avoid the incorrect form "time fly". Related phrases include "time passed quickly" and "time went by fast". Remember that while widely accepted, more formal alternatives may suit certain professional writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time passed quickly

Replaces the metaphorical "flew" with the more literal "passed quickly".

time went by fast

Uses a more casual phrasing to indicate the quick passage of time.

time slipped away

Emphasizes the unnoticed and effortless nature of time passing.

time vanished in an instant

Highlights the sudden and complete feeling of time disappearing.

the hours sped by

Focuses on the rapid movement of hours.

moments raced past

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes individual moments.

the day went by in a flash

Specific to a day, conveying a sense of suddenness.

time was fleeting

Describes time as transient and quickly disappearing.

time evaporated

Emphasizes the complete disappearance of time.

the clock seemed to race

Focuses on the quick progression of the clock.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "time flew"?

When someone says "time flew", it means that time passed very quickly, often because the person was enjoying themselves or was very busy. It's a common expression to describe how quickly time can pass in certain situations.

How can I use "time flew" in a sentence?

You can use "time flew" in sentences like, "I was so engrossed in the book that "time passed quickly"," or "We had so much fun at the party; "time went by fast"."

Are there any synonyms for "time flew"?

Yes, some synonyms for "time flew" include "time passed quickly", "time went by fast", or "the hours sped by". These all convey the idea that time passed quickly and seemingly effortlessly.

Is "time flew" appropriate for formal writing?

While "time flew" is widely understood, it leans towards informal usage. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "time passed quickly" or "the duration elapsed rapidly" for a more professional tone.