to fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to fly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing the action of flying or expressing a desire to travel by air. Example: "I have always dreamed to fly over the Grand Canyon and see its beauty from above."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To fly.

The New York Times - Books

You want to fly?

The New York Times - Sports

I need to fly.

The New York Times

I want to fly".

The New York Times - Sports

You're going to fly".

The New Yorker

He hates to fly.

The New Yorker

He continued to fly.

The New York Times

I'd better like to fly.

The New York Times

Soon, accusations began to fly.

The New York Times

It was learning to fly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I like to fly-fish.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to fly" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning, such as achieving a goal or escaping a difficult situation. For example, "The project is finally ready to fly".

Common error

Avoid using "to fly" in situations where a more specific verb would be more accurate. For instance, instead of saying "The documents need to fly to the office", it's better to say "The documents need to be sent to the office".

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to fly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action or state of being. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it is used to express desires, abilities, or intentions related to the act of flying. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to fly" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to denote the action of flying, express a desire for flight, or convey metaphorical concepts of soaring and escaping. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in News & Media, Science and Wiki. When using "to fly", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, avoiding ambiguity by opting for more precise language where necessary. The alternative phrases "to soar" or "to take flight" can provide nuanced substitutes, enriching your writing. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, affirming its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take flight

Emphasizes the initiation of the action of flying, focusing on the moment of departure.

to soar

Suggests a graceful and elevated form of flying, often implying freedom and aspiration.

to take to the skies

Focuses on the destination of flying, highlighting the vastness and freedom of the sky.

to wing one's way

A more poetic and figurative way of describing flying, suggesting a journey or path through the air.

to be airborne

Highlights the state of being in the air, emphasizing the disconnection from the ground.

to pilot

Refers specifically to controlling an aircraft, emphasizing the skill and responsibility involved.

to glide

Implies a smooth and effortless form of flying, often without the use of power.

to ascend

Focuses on the upward movement of flying, highlighting the act of rising into the air.

to hover

Describes the act of staying in one place in the air, emphasizing stability and control.

to float

Suggests a gentle and passive form of flying, often without any effort or control.

FAQs

How can I use "to fly" in a sentence?

You can use "to fly" in sentences like, "I want "to fly" a plane someday", or "Birds use their wings "to fly"".

What are some alternatives to "to fly"?

Alternatives include "to soar", "to glide", "to ascend", or "to take flight", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "flying" instead of "to fly"?

The choice between "flying" and "to fly" depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. "Flying" is a gerund or participle, while "to fly" is an infinitive. For example, "Flying is my passion" vs "I want "to fly"".

What does it mean when someone says an idea "won't fly"?

When someone says an idea "won't fly", it means that the idea is unlikely to be accepted or successful. It's a metaphorical use of ""to fly"" indicating that the idea won't take off or gain traction.