Time Flys or Time Flies? Which Is Correct?
The English language is filled with confusing phrases and words that sound similar but are spelled differently. One such confusion arises with the phrase time flies. Many people mistakenly write time flys, thinking it’s correct, but the truth is, the proper expression is time flies.
In this article, we will explore why time flies is the correct spelling, explain the grammar rules behind it, and provide examples of its proper usage. We will also include practice questions with answers to help reinforce your understanding of this commonly misused phrase.
Table of Contents
The Correct Phrase: Time Flies
The phrase time flies is correct because flies is the third-person singular form of the verb fly. This phrase means that time passes quickly, often without us realizing it. The idea behind time flies is that time seems to move swiftly, especially when we are busy, engaged, or enjoying ourselves.
Definition of Time Flies:
- Time flies (idiom): Time seems to pass very quickly.
- Part of Speech: It is an idiomatic expression where flies is the verb, and time is the subject.
- Used in a sentence: Time flies is often used when reflecting on how quickly time has passed, especially when we are not paying close attention.
Example Sentences:
- Time flies when you’re having fun.
- I can’t believe it’s already October; time flies!
- As I get older, it feels like time flies faster every year.
- We’ve been working on this project for months, but it feels like time has flown by.
In all of these examples, time flies is used to express the idea that time seems to move quickly, often more quickly than we would like.
Why Time Flies Is Correct
The phrase time flies makes sense grammatically because flies is the correct verb form for fly in the present tense when the subject is singular (in this case, time).
Why the Confusion with Time Flys?
The confusion arises because the base form of the verb is fly, and it’s easy to assume that the third-person singular form should be flys. However, in English, regular verbs that end in -y typically change the -y to -ies in the third-person singular form. This is why fly becomes flies when referring to a singular subject like time.
Grammar Rule:
In the present tense, verbs that end in -y undergo a spelling change when conjugated for he, she, or it (third-person singular). Specifically, -y becomes -ies. This rule applies to many common verbs, such as:
- cry → cries
- try → tries
- spy → spies
This same rule applies to fly, which becomes flies when the subject is singular.
Incorrect:
- Time flys when you’re watching a good movie.
Correct:
- Time flies when you’re watching a good movie.
The Idiom: Time Flies
The phrase time flies is an idiom, which means its meaning cannot be understood simply by looking at the individual words. In this case, flies doesn’t literally refer to something flying through the air; instead, it’s used figuratively to describe the sensation of time passing quickly.
Origins of the Idiom
The idea behind the phrase time flies dates back to ancient Roman literature. The Roman poet Virgil used the Latin phrase tempus fugit, which translates to “time flies.” Over time, this phrase entered the English language and became time flies, retaining its original meaning.
Today, we use time flies to express how quickly time seems to pass, particularly when we are engaged in something enjoyable or when we look back on past events.
Examples of the Idiom in Use:
- My vacation is already over? Time really flies when you’re having fun!
- It’s hard to believe we’ve been married for ten years—time flies!
Common Uses of Time Flies
The expression time flies is often used in everyday conversation to talk about time passing quickly. Let’s look at some common situations where time flies is used.
1. When Enjoying an Activity
One of the most common contexts for using time flies is when you’re enjoying something, and time seems to pass much faster than expected.
Example:
- We spent the whole day at the amusement park, and before we knew it, it was evening. Time flies when you’re having fun!
2. Reflecting on the Past
People often use time flies when they look back on how quickly the months or years have passed, especially when reminiscing about milestones, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or achievements.
Example:
- It feels like just yesterday we started high school, but here we are graduating already. Time flies.
3. In Work or Study
Sometimes when we’re deeply focused on work or studying, we lose track of time. In these cases, time flies is used to express surprise at how much time has passed while being productive.
Example:
- I’ve been working on this project for hours, but it only feels like a few minutes. Time flies when you’re busy.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Spelling Flies as Flys
The most common mistake is writing time flys instead of time flies. This mistake happens because people naturally assume that flys is the correct spelling, following the base form fly. However, remember that the correct conjugation for fly in the third-person singular is flies.
Incorrect:
- Time flys by when I’m reading a good book.
Correct:
- Time flies by when I’m reading a good book.
2. Misunderstanding the Idiom
Some people might misunderstand the phrase and think flies refers to something literal, like a bird or insect flying. However, time flies is an idiom that doesn’t refer to literal flying, but rather to the sensation of time passing quickly.
3. Overusing the Phrase
While time flies is a well-known and useful idiom, it’s important not to overuse it in everyday speech or writing. Try to vary your vocabulary and use other expressions like time passes quickly or before I knew it, time was up.
How to Remember the Correct Usage
Here are a few tips to help you remember that time flies is the correct phrase and avoid the mistake of writing time flys:
1. Think of Other Verbs with the Same Rule
Remember that fly follows the same rule as other verbs ending in -y. When talking about the third person (he, she, it), the -y changes to -ies. For example:
- carry → carries
- cry → cries
- fry → fries
- fly → flies
2. Visualize Time Flying
You can also associate time flies with the image of time flying quickly, like a bird or an airplane. This may help you remember that flies, not flys, is the correct verb form.
3. Check a Dictionary
If you’re ever in doubt, consult a dictionary or use spell-check tools. These resources will quickly confirm that time flies is the correct spelling.
Practice Questions: Time Flys or Time Flies?
Let’s test your understanding with the following practice questions. Choose the correct form to complete each sentence.
Question 1:
Which form is correct in the following sentence?
- _ when you’re having fun.
a) Time flys
b) Time flies
Answer:
b) Time flies
Explanation: The correct phrase is time flies because the verb fly changes to flies in the third-person singular form.
Question 2:
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
- I didn’t realize it was already midnight—_.
Answer:
I didn’t realize it was already midnight—time flies.
Explanation: Time flies is the correct idiomatic expression to describe time passing quickly.
Question 3:
True or False:
Time flys is the correct spelling when referring to time passing quickly.
Answer:
False
Explanation: Time flys is incorrect. The correct phrase is time flies.
Question 4:
Which sentence is correct?
a) Time flys when you’re on vacation.
b) Time flies when you’re on vacation.
Answer:
*b) Time flies when you’re on vacation.
Explanation: Time flies is the correct spelling because flies is the third-person singular form of fly.
Question 5:
Fill in the blank:
- It’s hard to believe our kids are already in high school—_.
Answer:
It’s hard to believe our kids are already in high school—time flies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct phrase is time flies, not time flys. This is because flies is the proper third-person singular form of the verb fly, and time is a singular subject. The phrase time flies is an idiom that expresses the idea that time seems to pass quickly, especially when we are busy or enjoying ourselves.
By remembering the grammar rule that changes fly to flies in the third person and practicing the idiom in everyday speech, you can avoid the common mistake of writing time flys. Whether you’re talking about how fast a vacation went by or how quickly children grow up, time flies is the proper expression to use.
With practice, you’ll confidently use time flies in the right contexts and avoid the spelling error of time flys.
