time is flying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'time is flying' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the sensation of time passing quickly. For example: "I can't believe how fast time is flying - it feels like I only just started university yesterday!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Time is flying, and pretty soon I'll have to decide where the perfect place for me is.

The New York Times

Sargent Shriver is 88 years old, which is all the proof we need that time is flying.

The New York Times

Time is flying.

BBC

I watched a little bit of the Wimbledon final soon afterwards but it's already six months ago, time is flying!

BBC

"I had one of those epiphanies that I think most people have: 'Oh my God, I'm going to die some day.' I had some young kids, and something about having kids makes you feel really mortal, and they grow so fast and you think oh my God, time is flying by".

BBC

Time is flying by, and I for one am focused on finding the pause button.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Time was flying.

The New York Times

Last week, the Fifa official said there was still work to do at the stadium and added that time was "flying".

BBC

But with yesterday's crash coming on the heels of one of the most tragic days in U.S. and airline history, the carriers financially will, for a time, be flying blind.

Forbes

Edgar at this time was flying the broad pennant of Commodore William Hotham, and in October that year was part of the fleet sent out under Lord Howe to relieve Gibraltar.

Wikipedia

Up to 40 tourists a time are flown in on tiny planes, landing on mud air strips.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time is flying" when you want to express a feeling that time is passing more rapidly than usual, often unexpectedly. This is appropriate in both personal reflections and casual conversations.

Common error

While "time is flying" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the same meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is flying" functions as an idiomatic expression, conveying the subjective experience of time passing quickly. It's often used in exclamations or reflective statements, similar to what is stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time is flying" is a grammatically sound and relatively common idiom used to express the feeling that time is passing quickly. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While versatile, it is more suited for informal or neutral contexts like news and media, rather than highly formal or scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "time is running fast" for similar expressions. Remember to use it when you genuinely want to convey the sense of rapid time passage, avoiding overuse in contexts demanding more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is running fast

This alternative uses "running fast" instead of "flying" to describe time's quick passage.

time is quickly passing

Replaces "flying" with "quickly passing", focusing on the continuous movement of time.

time is slipping away

Emphasizes the loss of time, suggesting it's being irretrievably lost.

time is fleeting

Uses the adjective "fleeting" to describe the transient nature of time.

time marches on

A more formal expression implying that time progresses steadily and inevitably.

the years are going by quickly

Shifts focus to years instead of time and employs 'going by quickly'.

life is passing in a blur

Emphasizes the blurring effect of rapidly passing time on life experiences.

days are whizzing by

Uses "whizzing" to convey a sense of speed and quick passage of days.

moments are escaping

Focuses on the individual moments being lost to the rapid passage of time.

the clock is ticking

Draws attention to the relentless progression of time with an emphasis on urgency

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "time is flying"?

When someone says "time is flying", they mean that time seems to be passing very quickly. It's often used when one is enjoying themselves or when reflecting on how fast a particular period has gone by.

Is "time is flying" an idiom?

Yes, "time is flying" is considered an idiom, a common phrase with a meaning that differs from the literal meaning of the words. It's a metaphorical way of saying that time is passing quickly.

What can I say instead of "time is flying"?

You can use alternatives like "time is running fast", "time is slipping away", or "time is fleeting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "time is flying" in a sentence?

You can use "time is flying" in sentences like, "I can't believe it's already July; time is flying!" or "Since we're having so much fun, time is flying by."