English grammar is full of small rules that can cause surprisingly big confusion. One common example is flies away or flys away. At first glance, both phrases seem possible because they come from the verb fly. However, only one of them is grammatically correct in standard English.
If you’ve ever paused while writing a sentence and wondered whether a bird flies away or flys away, you’re not alone. This guide explains the correct form, the grammar rule behind it, common examples, and practical tips to help you remember the difference.
Flies Away or Flys Away: Which Is Correct?
Let’s start with the answer.
Correct Form
Flies away
Incorrect Form
Flys away
The correct phrase is flies away.
The word flys is generally considered incorrect when used as the third-person singular form of the verb fly.
Examples
- The bird flies away when it hears a loud noise.
- A butterfly flies away from the flower.
- The kite flies away in strong winds.
In each sentence, flies away is the correct grammatical form.
What Does “Flies Away” Mean?
The phrase flies away means that something moves through the air and leaves a place or location.
It is commonly used for:
- Birds
- Insects
- Airplanes
- Balloons
- Flying objects
- Figurative expressions
Examples
- The eagle flies away from its nest.
- The balloon flies away into the sky.
- Time flies away when you’re having fun.
The phrase can be used both literally and figuratively.
Why Is “Flys Away” Incorrect?
To understand the difference between flies away or flys away, it’s helpful to look at a basic English spelling rule.
The Verb Ends in “Y”
The base verb is:
Fly
When a verb ends with a consonant followed by y, the spelling usually changes when forming the third-person singular present tense.
Grammar Rule
Remove the y and add ies.
Examples:
| Base Verb | Third-Person Form |
| Fly | Flies |
| Cry | Cries |
| Try | Tries |
| Carry | Carries |
| Reply | Replies |
Therefore:
Fly → Flies
Fly → Flys
This rule is why flies away is correct and flys away is not.
Understanding the Verb “Fly”
The verb fly has several forms.
Verb Forms of Fly
| Tense/Form | Word |
| Base Form | Fly |
| Third-Person Singular | Flies |
| Past Tense | Flew |
| Past Participle | Flown |
| Present Participle | Flying |
Examples:
- I fly to New York every year.
- She flies to London for work.
- They flew yesterday.
- The plane has flown safely.
- Birds are flying overhead.
Learning these forms makes it easier to avoid spelling mistakes.
Flies Away in Everyday English
The phrase flies away appears frequently in both spoken and written English.
Nature and Wildlife
- The sparrow flies away from danger.
- A bee flies away after collecting nectar.
Travel and Aviation
- The aircraft flies away from the airport.
- The helicopter flies away over the mountains.
Figurative Language
English speakers often use flies away metaphorically.
Examples:
- Summer flies away quickly.
- Opportunities sometimes fly away before we notice them.
- Time flies away faster than expected.
Common Examples of Flies Away
Seeing the phrase in context helps reinforce correct usage.
Correct Examples
- The bird flies away at sunrise.
- A leaf flies away in the wind.
- The drone flies away from the launch point.
- The butterfly flies away when approached.
Incorrect Examples
- The bird flys away at sunrise.
- The butterfly flys away.
- The drone flys away from the field.
These examples should always use flies away.
Similar Words That Follow the Same Rule
The fly → flies pattern is not unique.
Many verbs ending in y follow the same spelling rule.
Common Examples
- Try → Tries
- Cry → Cries
- Carry → Carries
- Study → Studies
- Hurry → Hurries
- Reply → Replies
Learning these patterns can improve both grammar and spelling.
Common Mistakes Related to Fly
Besides “flys away,” writers often make other errors involving the verb fly.
Incorrect
- Flys
- Flyed
- Flyeing
Correct
- Flies
- Flew
- Flying
These mistakes usually occur when writers apply incorrect spelling rules.
How to Remember the Correct Form
If you often confuse flies away or flys away, these simple memory tricks can help.
Trick 1: Remember the Y Rule
When a verb ends in consonant + y:
- Remove y
- Add ies
Fly → Flies
Trick 2: Compare With Cry
Most people know:
Cry → Cries
The same pattern applies:
Fly → Flies
Trick 3: Read the Sentence Aloud
Hearing the sentence often makes the incorrect form sound unnatural.
Example:
- The bird flies away.
- The bird flys away.
Why Correct Grammar Matters
Using the correct form improves:
- Professional writing
- Academic assignments
- Business communication
- Reader trust
- Search engine visibility
Small grammar errors can distract readers and reduce credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flies away or flys away: which is correct?
The correct phrase is flies away.
Is flys away grammatically correct?
No. “Flys away” is considered incorrect in standard English.
Why is it flies and not flys?
Because verbs ending in a consonant plus y typically change the y to ies in the third-person singular form.
What is the third-person singular form of fly?
The correct form is flies.
Is flies away used in everyday English?
Yes. It is commonly used when referring to birds, insects, airplanes, and figurative expressions.
What is the past tense of fly?
The past tense of fly is flew.
What is the past participle of fly?
The past participle is flown.
Can flies away be used figuratively?
Yes. Expressions such as “time flies away” use the phrase figuratively to indicate that time passes quickly.
Conclusion
When comparing flies away or flys away, the correct choice is always flies away. The phrase follows a standard English grammar rule in which verbs ending with a consonant and the letter y change to ies in the third-person singular form. As a result, fly becomes flies, not flys.
The next time you’re writing about a bird, butterfly, airplane, or even the passage of time, remember that the correct phrase is flies away. Understanding this simple rule will help you write more confidently, avoid common grammar mistakes, and communicate more effectively in both personal and professional settings.
