Is it “flies” or “flys”? It’s a common question and one that trips up a lot of people. The words are often used interchangeably, but only one is grammatically correct in most situations, and that’s “flies.”
This article will help you understand when to use “flies” and when, if ever, to use “flys.” We’ll cover:
- When to use “flies” as a plural
- When “fly” is used as a verb
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Tips for remembering the difference between flies vs flys
“Flies”: Plural Noun and Verb Form
The word “flies” gets used in a couple of different ways. Let’s break it down.
“Flies” as the Plural of “Fly” (Insect)
When you’re talking about more than one of those buzzing insects, “flies” is the word you want. For example, you might say, “There are so many flies buzzing around the picnic basket today!” or “I hate it when flies get in the house!”
Other words you could use to refer to flies in this context include “insects” or, if you’re feeling fancy, “diptera,” which is the scientific order that flies belong to.
“Flies” as the Third-Person Singular of “To Fly” (Verb)
“Flies” also functions as a verb. It’s the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “to fly.” You’d use it when the subject of your sentence is a singular noun or pronoun, like “he,” “she,” or “it.” For instance, “The eagle flies high above the mountains.”
The verb “to fly” has several other forms, including “fly,” “flew,” “flown,” and “flying.” These are all part of what’s called verb conjugation.
“Flys” is almost always wrong
The word “flys” is generally considered incorrect. It’s not a standard plural form of “fly,” and it’s not a verb form that most people would recognize.
Some people might think “flys” is the correct way to pluralize “fly,” maybe because other words become plural by simply adding an “s.”
But it’s not.
Here are some examples of incorrect usage:
- “There are many flys buzzing around the room.” (Incorrect)
- “The bird flys gracefully through the air.” (Incorrect)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake people make is using “flys” when they mean “flies,” as in the plural of the insect “fly.” People also sometimes use “flys” when they mean “flies” as in the third-person singular form of the verb “to fly.”
These mistakes happen because people aren’t aware of the spelling and grammar rules or because they apply pluralization rules incorrectly.
Here are a few tips to help you remember the correct way to spell “flies”:
- Remember that “flies” is almost always correct. It’s the standard plural noun for the insect, and it’s the third-person singular verb form.
- Try rhyming “flies” with “skies” and “pies” to help you remember the spelling.
- Create a mnemonic device to help you remember the spelling.
Always proofread what you write to catch any errors.
How to tell the difference
The difference between “flies” and “flys” comes down to how you’re using the word. Context is key. “Flies” can be a noun, or it can be a verb.
- Noun: “The flies buzzed around the picnic table.”
- Verb: “She flies to Paris every summer.”
Here are a couple more examples:
- Noun: “The entomologist studies flies.”
- Verb: “The pilot flies the airplane.”
If you’re not sure, try using a synonym. For example, if you can replace “flies” with “insects” or “the act of flying,” that can help you figure out the proper spelling.
How do I know which “flies” to use?
One way to tell is to think of other words that could work in the sentence. If you’re talking about the insect, you could also use “bugs” or “pests,” depending on the context.
You can also think about what the opposite action would be. If you’re using “flies” to mean moving through the air, the opposite would be to “land,” “stay,” or “remain.”
If you’re talking about insects, “flies” is a plural noun. If you’re talking about movement, “flies” is a verb.
Time to practice!
Here’s a quick quiz. Fill in the blanks:
- There are so many ______ buzzing around the porch light. (flies)
- Every winter, the robin _______ south. (flies)
Now, write your own sentences using the word “flies” correctly. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is correct, “flies” or “flys”?
The correct plural form of the noun “fly” is “flies.” “Flys” is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided in formal writing. The word “flies” correctly refers to multiple insects of the Diptera order.
Is it “dropping like flies” or “dropping like flys”?
The correct idiom is “dropping like flies.” This expression means that people (or animals) are dying or becoming ill in large numbers. Using “flys” would be grammatically incorrect and would sound odd to a native English speaker. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t say “dropping like carses,” you’d say “dropping like cars.” The same logic applies here.
Closing Thoughts
Let’s recap: “flies” is almost always the right word to use, while “flys” is usually incorrect. Knowing the difference helps you communicate clearly and accurately.
Remember, “flies” is the plural form of the noun “fly” and the third-person singular form of the verb “to fly.” “Flys,” on the other hand, is generally a misspelling.
Now that you know the difference, try applying these tips in your writing and speaking. Practice these exercises, and you’ll soon be swatting away “flys” errors with ease!