What are the definitions of “fly by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1When time appears to move quickly.
As I get older, the years just FLY BY.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fly by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fly by is when time seems to pass very quickly. It is often used to describe how fast a period of time, like a day, month, or year, appears to go by.
What are the different verb forms of “fly by”?
| Root Verb | fly by |
| Third Person Singular Present | flies by |
| Present Participle | flying by |
| Simple Past | flew by |
| Past Participle | flown by |
Example
The weekend always seems to fly by too quickly.
Example
Time flies by when you're having fun.
Example
The days are flying by so fast that I can hardly keep up.
Example
The summer flew by before we knew it.
Example
The years have flown by since we last met.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fly by”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“fly by” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
Time flies by when you're having fun.
Example
The weekend flew by too quickly.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fly by” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
Time flies by when you're having fun.
Example
The weekend flew by too quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fly by”?
Fly-by-night
A person or business that is unreliable or untrustworthy, often disappearing without notice.
Example
Be careful when dealing with fly-by-night companies; they may not deliver on their promises.
Fly by the seat of one's pants
To do something without a plan or experience, relying on instinct and improvisation.
Example
I didn't have time to prepare for the presentation, so I had to fly by the seat of my pants.
Fly by wire
A system in which an aircraft's control surfaces are operated electronically rather than mechanically.
Example
Modern airplanes use fly by wire technology for more precise and efficient control.
Good things to know
Does “fly by” have an informal or formal tone?
Fly by is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “fly by”?
Synonyms
- pass quickly
- speed by
- whiz by
- hurry by
- rush by
Antonyms
- dawdle
- drag on
- crawl by
- slow down
- linger
