Have you ever wondered which phrase is correct: ‘time has flew by’ or ‘time has flown by’? Knowing the answer can make sure your conversations and writings are accurate and precise.
In this article, we will explore the history of these phrases, determine their grammatical correctness, and provide examples of everyday usage so that you’ll be able to use them correctly in any situation.
Key Takeaways
- ‘Time has flown by’ is the correct phrase.
- It describes the feeling of time passing quickly or unexpectedly.
- ‘Flew’ and ‘flown’ are related to the verb ‘to fly’ but have different meanings when used together.
- ‘Time has flew by’ is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with ‘time has flown by’.
Definition of “Time Has Flew By” and “Time Has Flown By"
The phrase ‘time has flown by’ is correct. It is used to describe the feeling of time passing quickly or unexpectedly. It is often used when someone looks back and realizes that a long period of time has gone by without them noticing.
The difference between ‘flew’ and ‘flown’ lies in the verb tense. While ‘flew’ is past simple tense, ‘flown’ is past participle. Both are related to the verb ‘to fly’, which means to move quickly through the air. However, when put together, they have different meanings.
‘Flew’ implies something happened in the past, while ‘flown’ refers to an action that happened and continues into the present day. Therefore, it is important to use ‘time has flown by’ rather than ‘time has flew by’ for accuracy.
History of the Two Phrases
Both phrases have been used for centuries, but their meanings have changed over time.
The expression "time has flew by" first appeared in the late 17th century and meant something that moved quickly or swiftly.
In the 1820s, the phrase "time has flown by" emerged with a different meaning: to pass quickly from perception. This is the way it is typically used today.
- To convey that a period of time seems to have passed very quickly
- To describe an event that took place in a short amount of time
- To express surprise at how fast time passes
- To refer to something happening suddenly or unexpectedly
Analysis of Grammatical Correctness
Though both phrases are used frequently, it’s important to understand whether they follow the rules of standard grammar.
The phrase ‘time has flew by’ is incorrect due to its use of an irregular verb form – ‘flew’ should be replaced with the correct past tense form, ‘flown’. Therefore, the correct phrase is ‘time has flown by’.
It is important for all writers and speakers to remember this distinction in order to communicate effectively and accurately. Additionally, those who are unfamiliar with English grammar should take note of this rule as it is a frequent mistake amongst learners.
Adherence to proper grammatical rules can help make communication clearer and more precise.
Examples of Usage in Everyday Life
You often hear the phrase ‘time has flown by’ in everyday life, but it’s important to use the correct form of the verb ‘fly’. It should be ‘time has flown by’, not ‘time has flew by’.
Here are a few examples of this phrase in everyday life:
-
When reminiscing about old friends or family members, you might say ‘Where did the time go? It feels like it’s flown by!’
-
When talking about an upcoming event such as a vacation or birthday party, you might say ‘Time is flying and I can’t wait for it to arrive!’
-
When discussing something that happened last year, you might say ‘It seems like just yesterday, yet so much time has already flown by.’
-
During a moment of reflection or introspection, you may remark ‘Life sure does fly by when you least expect it.’
Using precise language helps ensure your meaning is conveyed accurately. By using the correct form of this phrase in everyday conversation, your audience will better understand what you’re trying to express.
Tips for Using the Phrases Correctly
To ensure clarity in your conversations, it’s important to use the phrase ‘time has flown by’ correctly. To avoid confusion, remember that ‘time has flew by’ is incorrect and should be avoided.
Instead, use ‘time has flown by’, which is a more precise expression of passing time quickly. When using this phrase, consider your context; if you are speaking about the past, use the past tense form of the verb ‘fly’. For example: ‘I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by since we first met.’
If you are speaking about something in the present or future, use a present or future tense form of the verb fly instead. For example: ‘It seems like no time at all before our vacation will have flown by.’
Conclusion
You’ve now learned the difference between ‘time has flew by’ and ‘time has flown by.’ Both phrases have been around for a long time, but only one is correct.
The phrase ‘time has flown by’ is grammatically correct because it uses the past participle form of the verb fly.
Remember to use this phrase in your everyday life so that you sound knowledgeable and precise.
If you ever find yourself unsure which version to use, just think back to what you’ve learned here – time has flown by!