while on the wing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while on the wing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something happening during the time a bird is flying or metaphorically to indicate something occurring while in motion or transition. Example: "The bird caught my eye while on the wing, gracefully soaring through the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It may either seize them while on the wing or alight to capture them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both sexes utter loud honking or gabbling cries while on the wing or when danger appears.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau will set a new appearance record for a Wales back row, a feat already achieved by the midfield combination of Davies and Jamie Roberts, while on the wing Alex Cuthbert is looking to become only the third Wales player, after Gareth Edwards and Shane Williams, to score a try in five consecutive Test matches.

The Guardian - Sport

"There are so many options in the back row, while on the wing Andrew Trimble, Craig Gilroy and Tommy Bowe will be the front-runners when they are available.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mike Brown has been brilliant at full-back this season, while on the wings Jonny May is an elusive runner and Marland Yarde will want to show he's world class.

BBC

Even their big players, Dan Lydiate, Roberts and Jonathan Davies, showed an uncharacteristic diffidence while Alex Cuthbert on the wing had another day to forget here after his World Cup travails.

The Guardian - Sport

A persistent hip injury makes the combative midfielder's appearance in both unlikely, but if he does feature in Cardiff he should be up against Ledley, while out on the wing Forrest and Matthews will hold their own contest.

BBC

Andy, Manu and Vavae are centres while Freddie played on the wing for Leicester and Cardiff before retiring.

The Guardian - Sport

She had once seen a heron flying across the estuary and trying, while it was on the wing, to swallow an eel which it had caught.

The New Yorker

Delighting in the space, James Maloney was having a field day, while Daniel Tupou profited on the wing scoring a double, his second after improbably hauling in a Michael Jennings pass and swerving around Michael Morgan, before accelerating away like Daniel Ricciardo trying to beat the traffic.

The Guardian - Sport

Rm prefers relatively open habitat [53] and regularly hunts from a perch [54], while Rh forages on the wing close to forests [55] and -especially in Bulgaria- around large trees within villages (I. Dietz; unpublished data, from: [56]).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while on the wing" to vividly describe actions or observations made when something is literally or metaphorically in flight or motion. This phrase works best when emphasizing the dynamic nature of the activity.

Common error

Avoid using "while on the wing" to describe situations that are static or lack a sense of movement. It is most effective when highlighting actions or observations occurring during a period of transition or motion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while on the wing" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when or how an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe something happening during flight or metaphorically in motion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while on the wing" is a grammatically sound phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI, used to describe events occurring during flight or metaphorical motion. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is found across diverse sources like News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. Its primary function is to add context and vividness to descriptions, emphasizing the dynamic nature of an activity. Related phrases include "in flight" and "on the fly", offering alternatives depending on the specific nuance desired. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with contexts that involve genuine movement or transition to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in flight

This alternative directly specifies the state of flying, emphasizing the airborne nature of the subject.

during flight

This option emphasizes the timing of an event occurring throughout the duration of a flight.

while airborne

This alternative uses an adjective to describe being in the air, providing a slightly more descriptive option.

on the fly

This idiom suggests doing something quickly or spontaneously while in motion, not necessarily limited to literal flight.

in transit

This phrase highlights the state of moving from one place to another, broadening the context beyond just flying.

during transit

Similar to "in transit", this phrase emphasizes the period of time spent moving.

while in motion

This option is a general way to refer to something happening while something else is moving.

in the air

This simple alternative focuses on being off the ground, less specific than 'in flight'.

aloft

This word is a more literary or poetic way of saying 'up in the air' or 'flying'.

on the breeze

This phrase evokes a sense of lightness and movement carried by the wind, implying effortless motion.

FAQs

How can I use "while on the wing" in a sentence?

Use "while on the wing" to describe something happening as something is flying or moving. For instance, "The scientist observed the eagle's hunting technique while on the wing."

What are some alternatives to "while on the wing"?

Alternatives include "in flight", "during flight", or "on the fly" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the idiom "while on the wing"?

It's appropriate when referring to actions or observations that take place during movement, especially flying, or in a fast-paced or spontaneous manner.

How does "while on the wing" differ from "on the fly"?

"While on the wing" typically refers to literal flight or motion, whereas "on the fly" often implies doing something quickly or spontaneously without necessarily involving physical flight.