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A1 verb #26 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

fly

Top 26

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces fly en 30 secondes

Explication fly in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'fly' is used in its most literal and simple sense. It describes the basic movement of birds and airplanes. Students learn that birds have wings and can fly. They also learn that people fly in planes to go on vacation. The focus is on subject-verb-object structures like 'Birds fly' or 'I fly to London'. It is one of the first verbs learned to describe travel and nature. At this stage, the irregular past tense 'flew' is introduced as a basic fact to memorize. The goal is to understand that 'fly' means moving through the air. Examples are concrete and easy to visualize, such as a kite in the sky or a plane at the airport. Learners are encouraged to use it to describe their own travel experiences in simple sentences. The noun 'fly' for the insect is also often introduced at this level as part of basic animal vocabulary. Overall, A1 usage is direct, literal, and foundational for building more complex descriptions later on.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'fly' in more varied sentence structures and common phrases. They start to use it with adverbs, such as 'fly quickly' or 'fly high'. The concept of 'flying a kite' or 'flying a drone' is introduced, showing that 'fly' can be something you do to an object. Learners also become more comfortable with the irregular forms 'flew' and 'flown' in simple past and present perfect sentences. They might say, 'I have never flown in a helicopter' or 'We flew to Spain last summer'. The idea of 'flying' as a way of traveling becomes more integrated into their vocabulary for talking about holidays and transport. They also start to recognize simple phrasal verbs like 'fly away'. The focus at A2 is on expanding the contexts in which the literal meaning of 'fly' is used, moving from simple observations to personal experiences and hobbies.

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At the B1 level, the metaphorical uses of 'fly' become more prominent. The most common idiom, 'time flies', is frequently used to describe how quickly time passes during fun activities. Learners also start to use 'fly' to describe speed in a more general sense, such as 'The car flew down the road'. They become more adept at using 'fly' in different tenses, including the continuous forms like 'The birds were flying south'. The phrasal verb 'fly by' is often used to describe time or events passing quickly. B1 learners also start to understand the use of 'fly' in professional contexts, such as 'flying a business class'. They can describe more complex scenarios, like a bird flying into a window or a pilot flying through a storm. The focus at B1 is on moving beyond literal movement to include common idiomatic expressions and more descriptive, narrative uses of the word.

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At the B2 level, 'fly' is used with greater precision and in more sophisticated idiomatic expressions. Learners understand nuances like 'flying off the handle' (losing one's temper) or 'flying high' (being successful). They can use 'fly' in passive constructions, such as 'The plane was flown by an experienced pilot'. The word is also used to describe the movement of abstract things, like rumors or sparks flying during a confrontation. B2 learners are expected to distinguish 'fly' from synonyms like 'soar' or 'glide' and choose the most appropriate word for the context. They also use 'fly' in more complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences ('If I could fly, I would travel the world'). The focus at B2 is on idiomatic fluency and the ability to use 'fly' to describe both physical actions and abstract social or emotional situations with confidence.

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At the C1 level, 'fly' is used with a high degree of stylistic variety and subtle nuance. Learners can use it in literary or formal contexts to create vivid imagery. They might use it to describe the 'flying' of a flag in a symbolic sense or the 'flying' of accusations in a legal or political debate. C1 learners are familiar with less common idioms and can use 'fly' to convey specific tones, such as irony or sarcasm. They understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in literature and poetry. The distinction between 'fly', 'flee', and 'flow' is perfectly maintained, even in fast-paced conversation. They can also use 'fly' as a noun in more technical senses, such as in fishing or tailoring. The focus at C1 is on achieving a native-like command of the word's full range of meanings, from the most technical to the most poetic.

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At the C2 level, the use of 'fly' is masterful and effortless. The speaker can employ the word in highly specialized or archaic contexts, perhaps referencing classical literature or complex scientific theories of aerodynamics. They can play with the word's multiple meanings to create puns or sophisticated metaphors. For a C2 learner, 'fly' is a tool for precise expression; they might choose it over a synonym specifically for its rhythmic quality in a sentence or its specific connotations of freedom or transience. They are fully aware of the word's etymology and how its meaning has evolved over centuries. Whether writing a technical report on aviation or a piece of creative fiction, the C2 learner uses 'fly' with total control, reflecting a deep and nuanced understanding of the English language's history and potential.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

fly en 30 secondes

Fly is primarily a verb meaning to move through the air, commonly used for birds, insects, and aircraft travel.
It is an irregular verb with the forms fly, flew, and flown, which are essential for correct English grammar.
The word has many metaphorical meanings, such as 'time flies' for speed or 'that won't fly' for failure.
As a noun, fly refers to a common house insect or the zippered opening on a pair of trousers.

The word fly is one of the most fundamental and versatile verbs in the English language, primarily used to describe the action of moving through the air. At its most basic level, it refers to the biological capability of birds, bats, and insects to propel themselves through the atmosphere using wings. However, the scope of the word extends far beyond the natural world, encompassing human technological achievements in aviation and a vast array of metaphorical meanings related to speed, freedom, and the passage of time. When we speak of flying, we are often invoking a sense of liberation from the terrestrial constraints of gravity, whether we are discussing a pilot navigating a Boeing 747 across the Atlantic or a child’s kite dancing in a summer breeze. The word is ubiquitous in daily conversation, appearing in contexts ranging from travel plans and nature documentaries to sports commentary and philosophical reflections on the fleeting nature of existence.

Biological Flight: This refers to the natural ability of organisms to stay aloft. For example, 'The eagle began to fly toward its nest high in the mountains.' This usage focuses on the physical mechanics of wings and feathers.

Watch the seagulls fly over the ocean waves as they search for fish.

Beyond biology, 'fly' is the standard verb for air travel. When you book a ticket to another city, you 'fly' there. Interestingly, the word is used both for the person controlling the aircraft ('The pilot flies the plane') and the passengers inside it ('We are flying to Paris tomorrow'). This duality makes it a central term in the global tourism and logistics industries. Furthermore, the word transitions into the realm of physics and sports; a 'fly ball' in baseball or a 'fly' in fishing refers to specific objects or movements that mimic the trajectory or appearance of something in flight. The noun form of 'fly' also refers to the common housefly, a small insect known for its buzzing wings, which provides a linguistic link between the action and the creature that performs it most commonly in our immediate environment.

Aviation Context: Used to describe the operation of aircraft or the act of traveling by air. 'I prefer to fly rather than drive because it is much faster for long distances.'

The Wright brothers were the first to successfully fly a powered airplane in 1903.

In metaphorical usage, 'fly' denotes extreme speed. When time 'flies', it passes much faster than expected, a sentiment often shared during enjoyable experiences. Similarly, if a person 'flies' out the door, they are moving with great haste. This association with speed also extends to the dissemination of information; rumors can 'fly' through a community in a matter of hours. The word also carries a connotation of success or approval in certain idioms, such as 'that idea won't fly', meaning it will not be accepted or successful. This rich tapestry of meanings ensures that 'fly' remains a cornerstone of English communication, bridging the gap between the physical act of soaring and the abstract concepts of time and social dynamics.

Metaphorical Speed: Describes things that move or happen very quickly. 'Time flies when you are having fun with your best friends.'

She had to fly to the meeting because she was running late.

The rumors began to fly as soon as the CEO resigned.

He likes to fly his drone in the park on weekends.

Using the word fly correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and its irregular forms. As a verb, it can be intransitive, meaning it does not require a direct object, or transitive, where it does. For instance, 'The bird flies' is intransitive, focusing solely on the subject's action. Conversely, 'The pilot flies the plane' is transitive, as the action is directed toward the aircraft. This distinction is crucial for learners to master, as it changes how the sentence is structured and what information is being conveyed. Furthermore, the irregular conjugation—fly (present), flew (past), and flown (past participle)—is a common stumbling block. One must say 'I have flown many times' rather than 'I have flyed' or 'I have flew'.

Intransitive Usage: Focuses on the subject moving through the air. 'The kite flies high in the sky when the wind is strong.'

The owls fly silently at night to catch their prey.

In addition to its literal meanings, 'fly' is frequently paired with prepositions to create phrasal verbs that alter its meaning. 'Fly away' suggests a departure or escape, while 'fly in' often refers to arriving by air for a specific event. 'Fly by' can describe something passing quickly, like time or a fast-moving vehicle. These combinations are essential for achieving natural-sounding English. When using 'fly' as a noun, it typically refers to the insect, but it can also refer to the zippered opening on a pair of trousers. This noun usage is quite distinct and is usually clear from the context of the sentence. For example, 'Your fly is open' is a common, if slightly embarrassing, social observation that has nothing to do with aviation or insects.

Transitive Usage: Focuses on the subject controlling an object in the air. 'She learned how to fly a helicopter during her summer vacation.'

I need to fly home for the holidays to see my family.

The word also appears in various idiomatic expressions that require careful application. 'To fly off the handle' means to lose one's temper suddenly, while 'to fly high' means to be very successful. Understanding these figurative uses allows for more sophisticated communication. In formal writing, 'fly' is often replaced by more specific verbs like 'soar', 'ascend', or 'navigate' to provide greater precision. However, in everyday speech, 'fly' remains the most natural and versatile choice. Whether you are describing a bird's flight, a pilot's career, or the rapid passage of a weekend, 'fly' provides the necessary linguistic framework to express movement through air and time with clarity and impact.

Phrasal Verbs: Common combinations like 'fly out', 'fly in', and 'fly by'. 'We will fly out of London on Tuesday morning.'

The years fly by as you get older, so cherish every moment.

He wants to fly a kite at the beach this afternoon.

The flag will fly at half-mast to honor the fallen soldiers.

You will encounter the word fly in a multitude of real-world settings, each providing a different nuance to its meaning. One of the most common places is at an airport. From the automated announcements informing passengers that 'Flight 402 is now ready to fly' to the conversations between travelers about which airline they prefer to 'fly with', the word is the heartbeat of the aviation industry. In this context, it is synonymous with professional travel, logistics, and global connectivity. Pilots and cabin crew use it technically, while passengers use it to describe their journey from point A to point B. It carries a sense of anticipation and the logistical reality of modern life.

At the Airport: Commonly heard in announcements and travel discussions. 'Are you flying direct or do you have a layover in Dubai?'

The pilot announced that we would fly at an altitude of 35,000 feet.

In the natural world, 'fly' is the primary verb used by biologists, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts. Documentary narrators often describe how certain species 'fly thousands of miles during migration'. In this setting, the word emphasizes the wonder of evolution and the physical prowess of animals. You might hear a parent in a park telling their child to 'watch the butterfly fly from flower to flower'. Here, the word is associated with beauty, nature, and observation. It is a simple yet powerful way to describe the movements of the living world around us, from the smallest gnat to the largest albatross.

In Nature: Used to describe animal behavior and movement. 'Monarch butterflies fly south to Mexico every winter to escape the cold.'

It is amazing to see how fast these small birds can fly when they are chasing insects.

Metaphorically, you will hear 'fly' in offices, schools, and social gatherings. When a deadline is approaching, a manager might say, 'We need to make this project fly,' meaning they need to make it successful or get it off the ground. In social settings, the phrase 'time flies' is a universal cliché used to acknowledge how quickly an evening has passed. You might also hear it in news reports when 'sparks fly' during a heated debate between politicians. These varied contexts demonstrate that 'fly' is not just a verb of motion, but a versatile tool for describing speed, success, conflict, and the very passage of our lives.

Metaphorical Contexts: Used in business and social life to describe success or speed. 'If we don't get more funding, this startup simply won't fly.'

The kids were having so much fun that the whole afternoon seemed to fly by.

You should fly a flag to show your support for the national team.

The debris began to fly everywhere when the strong wind hit the construction site.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word fly involves its irregular past tense forms. Because many English verbs follow a regular pattern (adding -ed), it is common to hear 'flyed' instead of the correct 'flew'. For example, saying 'The bird flyed away' is grammatically incorrect and marks the speaker as a beginner. Similarly, the past participle 'flown' is often confused with the past tense 'flew'. A common mistake is saying 'I have flew on a plane before' instead of the correct 'I have flown on a plane before'. Mastering these three forms—fly, flew, flown—is essential for grammatical accuracy.

Irregular Conjugation: Mistaking 'flyed' for 'flew' or 'flew' for 'flown'. Correct: 'He flew to London yesterday.' Incorrect: 'He flyed to London yesterday.'

By the time we arrived, the birds had already flown south for the winter.

Another area of confusion is the distinction between 'fly' and 'flow'. While they sound somewhat similar, 'flow' refers to the movement of liquids (like water in a river), whereas 'fly' refers to movement through the air. Saying 'The water flies down the river' is incorrect unless the water is literally being projected into the air (like a waterfall). Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'fly' with 'flee'. To 'flee' means to run away from danger, while to 'fly' means to move through the air. While you might 'fly' (move quickly) to 'flee' (escape), they are distinct actions. For instance, 'The prisoners tried to flee' is correct, but 'The prisoners tried to fly' implies they were attempting to use wings or an aircraft.

Fly vs. Flow: Confusing air movement with liquid movement. 'The river flows (not flies) into the sea.'

The pilot flies the aircraft with incredible precision and skill.

Finally, there is often confusion regarding the noun form. While 'a fly' is an insect, 'the fly' on a pair of pants refers to the zipper or button area. Using these interchangeably can lead to humorous or awkward misunderstandings. For example, saying 'There is a fly on your pants' could mean either an insect has landed there or the zipper is open. Context usually clarifies this, but it is a nuance worth noting. Additionally, in the idiom 'to fly off the handle', learners sometimes forget the 'the', saying 'fly off handle', which is incorrect. Precision in these small details separates a fluent speaker from a learner.

Idiomatic Precision: Omitting parts of fixed expressions. 'He really flew off the handle (not flew off handle) when he heard the news.'

Be careful not to fly into a rage over such a small and insignificant problem.

The paper flew out of the window when the gust of wind hit the desk.

I have flown in many different types of planes, from small Cessnas to large Boeings.

While fly is the most common word for moving through the air, English offers several alternatives that provide more specific imagery or formal tone. 'Soar' is a beautiful alternative used to describe flying high in the air with little effort, often associated with large birds like eagles or gliders using thermals. It implies grace and majesty. 'Glide', on the other hand, refers to moving smoothly and continuously, often descending slowly without using power. A paper airplane 'glides' through the air. Understanding these distinctions allows a speaker to paint a more vivid picture for their audience.

Fly vs. Soar: 'Fly' is general; 'soar' implies flying very high and gracefully. 'The eagle soared above the canyon walls.'

The glider began to glide silently toward the landing strip.

In technical or formal contexts, 'pilot' or 'aviate' might be used. 'Pilot' specifically refers to the act of operating an aircraft. You might say, 'He pilots a commercial jet,' which is more precise than 'He flies a commercial jet.' 'Hover' is another specific alternative, describing the act of staying in one place in the air, a capability unique to helicopters, hummingbirds, and certain drones. If you say 'The bird is flying over the flower,' it implies movement, but 'The bird is hovering over the flower' implies it is stationary in mid-air. These subtle differences are key to advanced English proficiency.

Fly vs. Hover: 'Fly' implies travel; 'hover' implies staying in one spot in the air. 'The helicopter hovered over the rescue site.'

The hawk will soar in circles while looking for its next meal.

For metaphorical speed, words like 'race', 'speed', or 'whiz' can serve as alternatives. 'The car whizzed by' is more descriptive than 'The car flew by', as it suggests the sound of the movement as well. In the context of success, 'take off' is a common alternative. 'His career really took off' means the same as 'His career is flying high', but 'take off' specifically focuses on the moment of initial success. By choosing the right synonym, you can convey exact meanings and emotions, making your English more expressive and professional. Whether you want to describe the majestic soaring of an eagle or the rapid taking off of a new business, having a range of alternatives to 'fly' is invaluable.

Fly vs. Take Off: 'Fly' is the ongoing action; 'take off' is the start of the flight or success. 'The plane took off at noon and flew for six hours.'

The hummingbird can hover in front of a flower to drink its nectar.

The jet will ascend to its cruising altitude shortly after departure.

The news of the victory will spread (fly) quickly throughout the entire city.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The noun 'fly' (the insect) comes from the same root because it is the quintessential flying creature.

Guide de prononciation

UK /flaɪ/

US /flaɪ/

Single syllable, no internal stress variation.

Rime avec

sky my by try high cry why sigh

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like 'flee' (long e sound).
Adding an extra syllable like 'fly-er'.
Muffling the 'f' sound.
Not making the 'ai' diphthong long enough.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'flow'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 2/5

Irregular forms (flew/flown) require practice.

Expression orale 1/5

Simple pronunciation.

Écoute 1/5

Clear and distinct sound.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

bird sky go air wing

Apprends ensuite

soar glide aviation departure arrival

Avancé

aerodynamics propulsion transient velocity navigation

Grammaire à connaître

Irregular Past Tense

The verb 'fly' changes to 'flew' in the past tense, not 'flyed'.

Present Perfect Participle

Use 'flown' with 'have' or 'has' (e.g., I have flown).

Third Person Singular

The 'y' changes to 'ie' before adding 's' (fly -> flies).

Transitive vs Intransitive

You can fly (intransitive) or fly a plane (transitive).

Stative vs Dynamic

'Fly' is a dynamic verb, so it can be used in continuous tenses (is flying).

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Exemples par niveau

Birds fly in the sky.

Les oiseaux volent dans le ciel.

Present simple for a general fact.

I want to fly to London.

Je veux m'envoler pour Londres.

Infinitive 'to fly' after 'want'.

The plane flies very high.

L'avion vole très haut.

Third-person singular 'flies'.

Can you fly a kite?

Sais-tu faire voler un cerf-volant ?

Modal verb 'can' followed by base form.

A fly is a small insect.

Une mouche est un petit insecte.

Noun usage.

The birds fly south in winter.

Les oiseaux s'envolent vers le sud en hiver.

Plural subject with base form.

I saw a bird fly away.

J'ai vu un oiseau s'envoler.

Verb of perception followed by base form.

Do planes fly at night?

Les avions volent-ils la nuit ?

Question form in present simple.

We flew to Paris last summer.

Nous nous sommes envolés pour Paris l'été dernier.

Past simple 'flew'.

He is learning to fly a drone.

Il apprend à piloter un drone.

Present continuous 'is learning'.

The butterfly flew from flower to flower.

Le papillon volait de fleur en fleur.

Past simple of 'fly'.

I have never flown in a helicopter.

Je n'ai jamais volé en hélicoptère.

Present perfect 'have flown'.

She flew home for her birthday.

Elle est rentrée chez elle en avion pour son anniversaire.

Past simple 'flew'.

The paper flew off the table.

Le papier s'est envolé de la table.

Past simple 'flew'.

They like to fly their model planes.

Ils aiment faire voler leurs modèles réduits d'avions.

Infinitive after 'like'.

The flag flies on top of the building.

Le drapeau flotte au sommet du bâtiment.

Present simple 'flies'.

Time flies when you are having fun.

Le temps passe vite quand on s'amuse.

Idiomatic usage.

The pilot flew the plane through the storm.

Le pilote a dirigé l'avion à travers la tempête.

Transitive use of 'flew'.

I'll fly out to see you next week.

Je prendrai l'avion pour venir te voir la semaine prochaine.

Phrasal verb 'fly out'.

Rumors began to fly about the new boss.

Des rumeurs ont commencé à circuler sur le nouveau patron.

Metaphorical usage.

The years just fly by, don't they?

Les années passent à toute allure, n'est-ce pas ?

Phrasal verb 'fly by'.

He flew into a rage when he saw the mess.

Il est entré dans une colère noire en voyant le désordre.

Idiom 'fly into a rage'.

The eagle was flying high above the mountains.

L'aigle volait haut au-dessus des montagnes.

Past continuous 'was flying'.

We had flown for ten hours before landing.

Nous avions volé pendant dix heures avant d'atterrir.

Past perfect 'had flown'.

The project will never fly without more funding.

Le projet ne verra jamais le jour sans plus de financement.

Idiom 'to fly' meaning to succeed.

He really flew off the handle this morning.

Il a vraiment perdu les pédales ce matin.

Idiom 'fly off the handle'.

Sparks flew during the intense debate.

Des étincelles ont jailli pendant le débat intense.

Metaphorical usage for conflict.

The company is flying high after the merger.

L'entreprise a le vent en poupe après la fusion.

Idiom 'flying high'.

She flew the coop as soon as she turned eighteen.

Elle a quitté le nid dès qu'elle a eu dix-huit ans.

Idiom 'fly the coop'.

The debris was flying everywhere in the wind.

Les débris volaient partout dans le vent.

Continuous form for chaotic motion.

I've flown this route dozens of times.

J'ai fait ce trajet en avion des dizaines de fois.

Present perfect 'have flown'.

You need to fly the flag for our department.

Tu dois représenter fièrement notre département.

Idiom 'fly the flag'.

The bird's wings were a blur as it flew.

Les ailes de l'oiseau n'étaient qu'un reflet flou pendant qu'il volait.

Descriptive past simple.

Accusations were flying thick and fast.

Les accusations pleuvaient de toutes parts.

Idiomatic 'thick and fast'.

He is a fly in the ointment of our plans.

Il est le grain de sable dans l'engrenage de nos plans.

Idiom 'fly in the ointment'.

The hours flew by in a haze of productivity.

Les heures ont défilé dans un tourbillon de productivité.

Literary metaphorical usage.

She flew in the face of all expectations.

Elle a bravé toutes les attentes.

Idiom 'fly in the face of'.

The aircraft was flown remotely from a base.

L'appareil était piloté à distance depuis une base.

Passive voice 'was flown'.

He's just a fly on the wall in these meetings.

Il n'est qu'un observateur discret dans ces réunions.

Idiom 'fly on the wall'.

The colors of the sunset seemed to fly across the sky.

Les couleurs du coucher de soleil semblaient balayer le ciel.

Poetic usage.

The ephemeral nature of joy makes it fly all the faster.

La nature éphémère de la joie la fait s'envoler d'autant plus vite.

Philosophical abstract usage.

His reputation flew before him like a herald.

Sa réputation le précédait comme un héraut.

Archaic/Literary personification.

The arrow flew true to its mark.

La flèche a volé droit vers sa cible.

Adverbial 'true' with 'flew'.

To fly a desk is a fate many pilots dread.

Faire du travail de bureau est un sort que beaucoup de pilotes redoutent.

Aviation slang 'fly a desk'.

The flag was flown at half-mast in solemn tribute.

Le drapeau a été mis en berne en hommage solennel.

Formal passive construction.

Thoughts flew through her mind like startled birds.

Ses pensées traversaient son esprit comme des oiseaux effrayés.

Simile with 'flew'.

The scandal caused heads to fly in the cabinet.

Le scandale a fait tomber des têtes au sein du cabinet.

Metaphorical 'heads to fly'.

He would fly to her side at the slightest hint of trouble.

Il accourrait à ses côtés au moindre signe de problème.

Conditional 'would fly' for devotion.

Collocations courantes

fly a plane

fly a kite

fly economy

fly direct

fly a flag

fly low

fly solo

fly a drone

fly business class

fly south

Phrases Courantes

Time flies.

— Time passes very quickly. Used when you realize how much time has gone by.

Time flies when you're having fun!

Fly a kite.

— To control a kite in the wind. Also used as a rude way to tell someone to go away.

Go fly a kite and leave me alone!

Fly the flag.

— To show support for your country or organization. To represent something proudly.

He was proud to fly the flag for his country at the Olympics.

Fly solo.

— To do something alone without help. Originally from aviation.

After years of partnership, she decided to fly solo in her career.

Fly in the face of.

— To go against what is expected or normal. To defy something.

His decision flies in the face of all the evidence.

Fly high.

— To be very successful or happy. To achieve great things.

The company has been flying high since the new product launch.

Fly out.

— To leave a place by airplane. To depart.

I am flying out to New York tomorrow morning.

Fly in.

— To arrive at a place by airplane. To bring someone in by air.

They are flying in experts from all over the world.

Fly by.

— To pass very quickly. Often used for time or vehicles.

The summer holidays always fly by too fast.

Fly the coop.

— To leave home or escape from a place. Often used for children growing up.

All their children have finally flown the coop.

Souvent confondu avec

fly vs flee

To 'flee' means to run away from danger, while 'fly' means to move through air. They are often confused because 'flew' and 'fled' sound similar.

fly vs flow

To 'flow' is for liquids like water. 'Fly' is for air. You don't say a river flies.

fly vs fry

To 'fry' is to cook in oil. The pronunciation is similar but the meaning is completely different.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Fly off the handle"

— To lose one's temper suddenly and unexpectedly. To become very angry.

He really flew off the handle when he saw the broken window.

informal

"Fly on the wall"

— An unnoticed observer of a private conversation or event.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall during that board meeting.

neutral

"Fly in the ointment"

— A small problem that spoils an otherwise good situation.

The only fly in the ointment was the rain during our picnic.

neutral

"When pigs fly"

— Something that will never happen. An impossibility.

I'll clean my room when pigs fly!

informal

"Fly by the seat of one's pants"

— To do something by instinct or without a clear plan. To improvise.

We didn't have a strategy, so we were just flying by the seat of our pants.

informal

"Fly a desk"

— To work in an office rather than doing active duty (usually for pilots).

After his injury, the pilot had to fly a desk for six months.

slang

"Fly into a rage"

— To suddenly become extremely angry. To lose control.

She flew into a rage when she found out he had lied.

neutral

"Fly the nest"

— To leave one's parents' home to live independently.

It's hard for parents when their children finally fly the nest.

neutral

"Sparks fly"

— When people argue or when there is strong sexual attraction.

Sparks fly every time those two are in the same room.

neutral

"Fly under the radar"

— To go unnoticed or avoid attention. To be discreet.

He tried to fly under the radar so his boss wouldn't give him more work.

neutral

Facile à confondre

fly vs flew

Past tense of fly.

Flew is the past action of moving through air. Flu is a sickness. They sound the same.

The bird flew away, but I have the flu.

fly vs flown

Past participle.

Flown is used with 'have'. Flowed is the past of 'flow' (water).

I have flown to Italy. The water flowed down.

fly vs flea

Sounds like flee/fly.

A flea is a jumping insect. A fly is a flying insect.

The dog has a flea. The fly is on the wall.

fly vs float

Similar movement.

Floating is staying on top of water or air without effort. Flying is active movement.

The wood floats. The bird flies.

fly vs soar

Synonym.

Soaring is flying high without flapping wings. Flying is the general term.

The eagle soared above us.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] + fly.

Birds fly.

[Subject] + fly + to + [Place].

I fly to Rome.

[Subject] + flew + to + [Place].

We flew to Japan.

Time + flies + when + [Clause].

Time flies when you work.

[Subject] + have/has + flown + [Duration].

She has flown for six hours.

[Idea] + won't + fly.

That plan won't fly.

[Subject] + fly + in the face of + [Noun].

It flies in the face of logic.

[Noun] + fly + [Adverbial Phrase].

The arrow flew straight and true.

Famille de mots

Noms

flyer

flight

flying

flyweight

Verbes

fly

outfly

overfly

Adjectifs

flying

flyable

flightless

Apparenté

airplane

aviation

wing

pilot

soar

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I flyed to New York. → I flew to New York.
Fly is an irregular verb. The past tense is 'flew', not 'flyed'.
I have flew on that airline. → I have flown on that airline.
The past participle used with 'have' is 'flown', not 'flew'.
The river flies to the sea. → The river flows to the sea.
'Fly' is for air; 'flow' is for water. Do not confuse these two similar-sounding verbs.
He flys a kite. → He flies a kite.
Verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a consonant change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es' in the third person singular.
The time fly. → Time flies.
'Time' is a singular noun, so the verb must be in the third person singular form 'flies'.

Astuces

Master the Irregulars

Spend time memorizing fly-flew-flown. These are among the most common irregular verbs in English and using them correctly instantly improves your fluency.

Use Specific Synonyms

Instead of always using 'fly', try 'soar' for majestic movement or 'glide' for smooth movement to make your writing more descriptive.

Time Flies

Use 'time flies' in social situations to show you are enjoying yourself. It's a very natural and common English expression.

The 'Y' to 'IES' Rule

Remember that for 'he', 'she', or 'it', the word becomes 'flies'. This is a standard rule for verbs ending in a consonant + y.

Fly vs. Pilot

While everyone 'flies' as a passenger, only the person in control 'pilots' the plane. Use 'pilot' for a more professional tone.

Bird Watching

When describing birds, use 'fly' for their general movement but 'migrate' if they are flying to another country for the season.

Fly Under the Radar

Use this phrase when you want to describe someone who is doing something without being noticed by others.

Check Your Fly

Be aware of the noun meaning 'zipper'. It's a common source of jokes and social embarrassment in English-speaking countries.

Won't Fly

Use 'that won't fly' in a business meeting to politely say that an idea is not practical or will not be accepted.

Listen for Phrasal Verbs

Pay close attention to 'fly out' and 'fly in' during travel conversations to know if someone is leaving or arriving.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the 'F' in Fly as 'Fast' and the 'L' as 'Lift'. You need lift to go fast in the air!

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright blue bird with a pilot's hat on, flying over a giant clock (time flies).

Word Web

Bird Plane Wing Sky Pilot Insect Speed Travel

Défi

Try to use 'fly', 'flew', and 'flown' in three sentences about a dream vacation you want to take.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old English word 'fleogan', which means to fly or take wing. It has roots in Proto-Germanic 'fleugan'.

Sens originel : To move through the air with wings; to flee or escape.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'fly' as slang (meaning cool) as it can sound dated depending on the social group.

Flying is the primary mode of long-distance travel in the US, UK, and Australia, making it a constant topic of conversation.

The Wright Brothers' first flight. The song 'Fly Me to the Moon' by Frank Sinatra. The movie 'The Fly' (1986).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Airport

What time do we fly?
I'm flying with British Airways.
Is it a direct flight?
I hate flying in turbulence.

Nature

The birds are flying south.
Look at that eagle fly!
Insects fly toward the light.
Can penguins fly?

Hobby

Let's go fly a kite.
He flies his drone every day.
I'm learning to fly a Cessna.
Do you like flying model planes?

Time

Time flies!
The weekend just flew by.
Where does the time fly?
The hours flew while we talked.

Idiomatic/Social

Don't fly off the handle.
That idea won't fly.
He's flying high right now.
Sparks are going to fly.

Amorces de conversation

"Do you enjoy flying on planes, or do you find it stressful?"

"If you could fly anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?"

"Have you ever tried to fly a kite or a drone in a park?"

"Do you think time flies faster as you get older, or is it just a feeling?"

"What is the longest time you have ever flown on a single flight?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you felt like you were 'flying high' because of a great success in your life.

If humans could fly like birds, how would your daily life and commute change?

Write about a travel experience where you had to fly to a completely new culture.

Reflect on the phrase 'time flies'. What are some moments you wish had lasted longer?

Imagine you are a pilot flying a plane for the first time. Describe your emotions and the view.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'flyed' is not a correct word in English. The past tense of 'fly' is 'flew'. For example, you should say 'The bird flew away' instead of 'The bird flyed away'.

'Fly' is usually a verb (the action), while 'flight' is a noun (the journey). For example, 'I will fly to London' and 'My flight to London is at 10 AM'.

Yes, 'fly' is both a verb for the action of flying and a noun for a specific type of small insect, like the housefly.

It is an idiom that means time passes very quickly, especially when you are busy or having a good time.

The conjugation is: I fly, he/she/it flies, I flew (past), I have flown (past participle), and I am flying (continuous).

It means to suddenly and unexpectedly lose your temper or become very angry about something.

Yes, in some contexts, 'fly' can mean stylish, cool, or attractive, although this slang is more common in older pop culture.

The 'fly' is the opening at the front of a pair of pants that is closed with a zipper or buttons.

Yes, 'fly' is the standard verb used for operating a drone, just like flying a kite or a plane.

Depending on the context, the opposite could be 'land' (for a plane), 'walk' (for a person), or 'crawl' (for an insect).

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