time flew by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time flew by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which time passes quickly. For example, "The lunch break passed by in a flash; it felt like time flew by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

With the winds at our back, the entire overnight flight was a mere seven hours and with an impressive menu of newly released films in my private screen, the time flew by -- literally.

Huffington Post

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

Lawn let him off, jotting notes in his head as the time flew by.

The Times

JUDITH THURMAN: Me too, time flew by RICHARD BRODY: Me, too; thanks, Judith, Thessaly, Tad, and readers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Time flies by, without our permission.

University of California, Berkeley

Time flies by fast with a good book.

The New York Times - Books

"Time flies by in the blink of an eye," Nelson sings on the new album.

The New Yorker

How time flies by, and me with all those dishes to do!

The New Yorker

Time flies by.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time flew by" when you want to express that a period felt shorter than its actual duration. It's particularly effective when describing enjoyable or engaging experiences.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "flew" as "flu". "Flew" is the past tense of "fly", while "flu" refers to influenza. Using "time flu by" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time flew by" functions as an idiom expressing that a period of time passed quickly or felt shorter than it actually was. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a common and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "time flew by" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a period felt shorter than it actually was. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences. When using the expression, it's crucial to avoid common misspellings, such as "time flu by". Consider alternatives like "time passed quickly" or "time slipped away" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time passed quickly

Focuses on the speed of time's passage, a direct synonym.

time went by fast

Similar to the original, emphasizing the rapidity of time's passage.

time slipped away

Implies a subtle and perhaps unnoticed passage of time.

time vanished

Suggests time disappeared quickly, creating a sense of surprise.

time elapsed rapidly

A more formal way to indicate the quick passage of time.

the hours melted away

A more figurative way of conveying that the time passed effortlessly.

minutes ticked by quickly

Focuses on minutes instead of unspecified time, emphasizing the rapid passing.

days disappeared in a blur

Specifically refers to days and suggests a lack of clear recollection.

I lost track of time

Highlights a lack of awareness of time passing, often due to engagement in an activity.

the clock seemed to rush

Suggests the clock went by more quickly that what it was supposed to do.

FAQs

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

You can use "time flew by" to describe an experience where time passed quickly. For example, "The concert was so captivating that "time flew by"."

What is an alternative to saying "time flew by"?

Alternatives include "time passed quickly", "time went by fast", or "time slipped away", all indicating a rapid passage of time.

Is "time flies" the same as "time flew by"?

"Time flies" is a general statement about the nature of time, meaning it passes quickly in life. "Time flew by" refers to a specific instance when time seemed to pass quickly.

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

It means that the person experienced a period that seemed to pass much faster than it actually did, often because they were engaged in an enjoyable or absorbing activity.