Do you ever find yourself wondering whether it’s time flies or time flys? If so, you’re not alone. Many English learners and even native speakers struggle with this common grammar question. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “time flies” and “time flys” and when to use each one.
Time Flies or Time Flys
Time Flies or Time Flys
Time flies is a phrase that means time passes quickly. It is a common expression used to express the feeling that time seems to go by faster than we expect. On the other hand, time flys is an incorrect spelling of the phrase.
When using the phrase, it is important to use the correct spelling. “Time flies” is the correct spelling and should be used in all instances. Using “time flys” is incorrect and should be avoided.
Here are some examples of how to use “time flies” in a sentence correctly:
- “I can’t believe it’s already August. Time flies!”
- “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
- “It feels like yesterday when we started this project, but time flies.”
Examples
“Time flies” is the correct phrase to use when referring to the passage of time. It’s a common idiom that means time seems to pass quickly. On the other hand, “time flys” is not a correct phrase in any context.
Here are a few examples of “time flies” used correctly in sentences:
- “It feels like only yesterday that we started high school, but time flies.”
- “I can’t believe it’s already been a year since we last saw each other. Time flies when you’re having fun.”
- “The older I get, the faster time seems to fly by.”
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
When it comes to the correct spelling of “time flies” or “time flys,” there is a common misconception that “flys” is the correct spelling. However, this is not the case. The correct spelling is “flies.”
One of the reasons for this mistake is the fact that many people only add “s” to any verb that agrees with third person singular nouns. However, some verbs do need to be conjugated differently in terms of their spelling. In this case, the “y” in fly is dropped, and the suffix “-ies” is added.
Another common mistake is using the present tense form of the verb “fly” instead of the past tense form “flew” when referring to something that has already happened. For example, saying “time flies when I’m having fun” is correct because “flies” is the present tense form of the verb used to describe an ongoing action. However, saying “time fly when I was having fun” is incorrect because “fly” is the present tense form of the verb used to describe an ongoing action, and “was” is the past tense form of the verb “to be.”
Tips to Remember the Difference Between Time Flies or Time Flys
When it comes to using the correct spelling of “time flies” or “time flys,” it can be easy to get confused. Here are some tips to help you remember the difference between the two:
1. Remember the Verb Agreement
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that “time flies” is the correct spelling. This is because “flies” is the third person singular form of the verb “fly,” which agrees with the singular noun “time.” On the other hand, “flys” is not a correct spelling because it does not follow the third person singular verb agreement.
2. Learn the Definitions for Fly
Here are four popular definitions of the word “fly”:
- (noun) An insect with two wings that can fly through the air. Example: The fly landed on the picnic table and buzzed around the food.
- (verb) To move through the air, typically by using wings or other means of propulsion. Example: The bird flew over the treetops and disappeared from sight.
- (adjective) Stylish or fashionable, often used to describe clothing or accessories. Example: She wore a fly outfit to the party and received many compliments on her dress.
- (noun) The zipper or fastener that allows someone to open and close the front of their pants or trousers.
3. Practice with Example Sentences
Another way to remember the difference between “time flies” and “time flys” is to practice using them in example sentences. For instance, you can use the sentence “Time flies when you’re having fun” to help you remember that “flies” is the correct spelling.
Here is a table to remind you the difference between “Time flies” and “Time flys”:
| Time Flies | Time Flys |
|---|---|
| Correct | Incorrect |
| Verb agreement with singular noun | Violates verb agreement |
| Used in phrases like “time flies like an arrow” | Not used in any common phrases |
| Used in context related to the passage of time | Not used in any specific context |
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that you are using the correct spelling of “time flies” or “time flys” in your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the phrase ‘time flies’?
The phrase ‘time flies’ means that time passes quickly. It is often used to express surprise at how fast time has gone by.
Why do people say ‘time flies’?
People say ‘time flies’ to express the feeling that time has gone by quickly. It is a common expression that is used to reflect on the passage of time.
How do you use the phrase ‘time flies’ in a sentence?
You can use the phrase ‘time flies’ in a sentence to express the idea that time has passed quickly. For example, “I can’t believe it’s already July. Time flies!”.
Is it correct to say ‘time flies’ or ‘time flys’?
The correct phrase is ‘time flies’. When you pair a verb, like ‘fly’, with a singular noun, such as ‘time’, the verb generally takes the third person singular form. In this case, that would be ‘flies’ and not ‘flys’.
What is the difference between ‘flies’ and ‘flys’?
‘Flies’ is the correct spelling of the third person singular form of the verb ‘fly’. ‘Flys’ is an incorrect spelling of the word.
What are some quotes that use the phrase ‘time flies’?
- “Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne
- “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.” – Groucho Marx
- “Time flies, whether you’re wasting it or not.” – Crystal Woods
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