English grammar often becomes confusing when verb forms change, especially with irregular verbs. One such common confusion is between “time has flew by” and “time has flown by.” Both expressions are used to talk about time passing quickly, but only one of them is grammatically correct. Because these phrases sound similar in spoken English, many learners unknowingly use the wrong form in writing, exams, and even professional communication.
The verb fly is irregular, which means its past forms do not follow the usual “-ed” rule. This is where the confusion begins. While flew is the simple past form, flown is the past participle—and understanding this difference is essential when using perfect tenses like has or have. When we say that time passed very quickly, grammar rules require the correct past participle form.
In this article, we clearly explain the difference between “time has flew by” and “time has flown by.” You will learn which expression is correct, why the other is wrong, and how to use the correct form confidently in both spoken and written English. Whether you are a student, an English learner, or someone aiming to improve grammar accuracy, this guide will help you avoid a very common mistake and sound more fluent and professional.
What Does “Time Has Flown By” Mean?
“Time has flown by” means that time passed very quickly, often without us noticing.
Simple Meaning
It expresses surprise at how fast time feels when we are busy, happy, or deeply involved in something.
Examples
- I can’t believe it’s December already—time has flown by!
- Since graduation, time has flown by so fast.
- When you’re having fun, time has flown by before you realize it.
Tip for Learners
Think of time as a bird—it “flies,” not walks.
Is “Time Has Flew By” Grammatically Correct?
No. “Time has flew by” is incorrect grammar.
Why It’s Wrong
- “Has” requires a past participle
- Flew is the simple past, not the past participle
❌ Time has flew by
✅ Time has flown by
Kid-Friendly Tip
If you see has / have, don’t use flew—use flown.
Why Do People Confuse Flew and Flown?
English verb forms can be tricky because some verbs change completely.
| Verb Form | Word |
|---|---|
| Base | fly |
| Past | flew |
| Past participle | flown |
Many learners stop at flew and forget that has needs flown.
Understanding the Verb “Fly” in English Grammar
The verb fly is an irregular verb, which means it does not follow the usual -ed pattern.
Verb Forms of Fly
- Present: fly
- Past: flew
- Past participle: flown
Example Sentences
- Birds fly in the sky.
- The plane flew over the city.
- The plane has flown safely.
What Is a Past Participle?
A past participle is a verb form used with:
- has
- have
- had
Examples
- has eaten
- have gone
- has flown
Easy Rule
👉 Has / Have + past participle
Why “Has” Always Needs the Third Verb Form
In English:
- Has / have = present perfect tense
- Present perfect = has/have + past participle
That’s why:
- ❌ has flew
- ✅ has flown
What Tense Is “Time Has Flown By”?
It is written in the present perfect tense.
Why This Matters
The present perfect tense:
- Connects the past to the present
- Focuses on experience, not exact time
Example
Five years have passed, and time has flown by.
Present Perfect Tense Explained for Beginners
Structure
Subject + has/have + past participle
Examples
- She has finished her homework.
- They have traveled a lot.
- Time has flown by.
Can We Say “Time Flew By”?
Yes! This is correct, but it has a different tense.
Comparison
- Time flew by → simple past
- Time has flown by → present perfect
Usage Difference
Use flew when talking about a finished time in the past.
Time Flew By vs Time Has Flown By
| Phrase | Tense | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Time flew by | Simple past | Finished time |
| Time has flown by | Present perfect | Ongoing feeling |
H2: Which One Should You Use in Exams?
Always use:
✅ Time has flown by
Teachers and examiners consider “has flew” a grammar mistake.
Is “Time Has Flown By” Formal or Informal?
It is neutral.
You can use it in:
- Essays
- Emails
- Conversations
- Speeches
Is “Time Has Flew By” Ever Acceptable in Spoken English?
No. Even in casual speech, it is still grammatically incorrect.
Native speakers may say it accidentally, but it’s not correct English.
Common Grammar Mistakes Similar to “Has Flew”
Many verbs cause the same problem:
| Wrong | Correct |
|---|---|
| has went | has gone |
| has ate | has eaten |
| has saw | has seen |
| has took | has taken |
Easy Trick to Remember Flew vs Flown
👉 If you can say has/have, use flown
👉 If there is no has/have, you can use flew
Why Native Speakers Always Say “Time Has Flown By”
Because:
- It follows grammar rules
- It sounds natural
- It reflects real-life usage
Examples of “Time Has Flown By” in Daily Life
- Wow, time has flown by since we last met.
- This year, time has flown by quickly.
- During the holidays, time has flown by.
Examples of Incorrect Usage to Avoid
❌ Time has flew by so fast.
❌ The year has flew by.
Correct them to:
✅ Time has flown by so fast.
✅ The year has flown by.
Can “Time Has Flown By” Be Used in Writing?
Yes, it’s perfect for writing, including:
- School essays
- Blogs
- Stories
- Reflections
Is “Time Has Gone By” the Same Thing?
Yes, it is similar but slightly less expressive.
Comparison
- Time has gone by → neutral
- Time has flown by → emotional, expressive
Other Expressions Similar to “Time Has Flown By”
- Time passed quickly
- Time slipped away
- The days went fast
- Time raced by
Why “Flown” Sounds More Natural Than “Flew” Here
Because has + flown flows smoothly in spoken English and matches native patterns.
How Kids Can Remember the Correct Phrase
Tell kids:
“If you say has, the word flew must change to flown.”
ESL Learners – Why This Mistake Is So Common
Many languages:
- Do not use past participles
- Do not change verbs this way
That’s why practice is important.
How Teachers Explain This Easily
Teachers often say:
“Has is the boss. It demands the third form.”
Is This a Google-Trending Grammar Question?
Yes. Searches like:
- time has flew by or flown by
- has flew or has flown
- correct grammar for time has flown by
are very common worldwide.
Can This Phrase Be Used in Professional Writing?
Yes, especially in:
- Reports
- Reflections
- Farewell messages
Example:
Over the past decade, time has flown by, and our company has grown.
Quick Practice Exercise
Choose the correct sentence:
- ❌ Time has flew by.
- ✅ Time has flown by.
Correct answer: Sentence 2
One-Sentence Rule to Remember Forever
👉 Never use “flew” after has or have. Always use “flown.”
conculsion
To conclude, the correct and grammatically accepted expression is “time has flown by,” not “time has flew by.” The reason is simple but important: flew is the simple past tense of fly, while flown is the past participle. Since the structure has + verb always requires the past participle, only “has flown” can be correct.
This mistake is extremely common because in fast, casual speech, people often use “flew” without realizing the grammatical error. However, in writing—especially in exams, essays, emails, and professional content—using “time has flew by” is considered incorrect and may lower the quality of your English. By learning and applying this rule, you can instantly improve your grammar and sound more fluent.
From real classroom experience, mastering small distinctions like this makes a big difference in confidence and accuracy. Remember this simple rule:
- Past tense: Time flew by.
- Present perfect: Time has flown by.
With regular practice and awareness of verb forms, such mistakes become easy to avoid. Over time, correct usage will feel natural, and yes—time will have flown by as your English skills continue to grow.
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