to fly over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to fly over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of flying above a particular location or object, often in the context of travel or observation. Example: "The plane will fly over the mountains before landing at the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When I found out they wanted me to fly over, I could not believe it.

The New Yorker

Of course she is too cool to fly over from England for the show.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Presumably only someone with a corporate helicopter to fly over and admire it.

The Guardian - Arts

Would it be okay for me to fly over?

Vice

It also happens to be a very beautiful place to fly over and take pictures.

Huffington Post

We get to fly over.

The Guardian - Sport

It has to fly over your head.

The Guardian - Sport

So, Branson scrambled an airship to fly over the site.

The Guardian - Business

Feathers are continuing to fly over Black Swan.

The Guardian

And they asked for the right to fly over Iraq.

The New York Times

"The Norwegian authorities have refused permission to fly over its territory, even though other countries gave permission to fly over theirs".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing aerial surveys or inspections, use "to fly over" to clearly indicate the method of observation. For example, "Officials planned "to fly over" the area to assess the damage."

Common error

Avoid using "to fly over" when describing something merely passing by. The phrase implies a purposeful act of traversing an area or object from above, not a simple incidental passing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to fly over" is that of an infinitive phrase, often serving as part of a verb phrase. It's used to describe the act of traversing an area via air. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to fly over" is a versatile phrase used to describe aerial movement above a location, deemed grammatically correct and common by Ludwig AI. It is often found in news and media contexts and also used in the scientific research. The phrase's communicative purpose is primarily descriptive, but it can also denote intent or permission. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it is best used when referring to a purposeful act of traversing an area from above, rather than a simple passing by. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "to fly over" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to overfly

A more concise, single-word alternative that directly conveys the act of flying over something.

to pass over

This alternative focuses on the action of passing, removing the explicit aerial aspect.

to soar over

This option emphasizes a graceful and elevated movement, adding a sense of majesty.

to navigate over

This emphasizes the directional aspect of flying, suggesting a controlled path.

to cross over

This highlights the act of traversing from one side to another, suitable for shorter distances.

to pilot above

It specify the action of piloting/driving something that goes above something else.

to travel above

This phrase broadens the context to any form of travel occurring at a higher elevation.

to cruise above

Highlights the act of flying in a regular and smooth way.

to hover above

This implies a stationary position in the air, differing from the continuous movement of "to fly over".

to take flight above

It emphasizes the action of beginning to fly, adding a sense of journey or adventure.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to fly over" describes the action of an aircraft or object moving through the air above a particular location. For example, "The pilot requested permission "to fly over" the restricted airspace".

What are some alternatives to "to fly over"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to pass over", "to soar over", or "to overfly".

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

Yes, "flying over" is also correct, but it functions as a gerund or present participle, often used to describe an ongoing action. "To fly over" is the infinitive form, typically used to express purpose or intention.

What does it mean when a country grants permission "to fly over" its territory?

Granting permission ""to fly over"" means allowing aircraft from another country to enter and cross its airspace. This is a common practice in international aviation, but requires prior authorization.