Many people search for “flys or flies” because both spellings look correct at first glance. You may have seen flys in a sentence, heard flies spoken, or felt unsure while writing an email, blog post, or exam answer.
This confusion is very common, especially for non-native English learners and even native speakers. English plurals and verb forms can be tricky, and fly is one of those words that changes form in different situations.
The main reason people get confused is that fly can be both a noun and a verb. Its spelling changes based on tense and number.
For example, the plural of the insect fly is not flys, but flies. At the same time, flys can appear as a verb form in very limited cases, which adds to the confusion.
This article solves that problem clearly and simply. You will get a quick answer, real-life examples, spelling rules, and professional writing advice.
By the end, you will know exactly when to use flies and when flys is correct, so you can write with confidence every time.
Quick Answer
Flies is usually correct.
Flys is rarely correct.
Simple rule:
- Flies = plural noun or third-person verb
- Flys = uncommon verb form only
Examples:
- ✅ The bird flies across the sky.
- ✅ There are many flies in the kitchen.
- ❌ Two flys are on the wall. (Wrong)
- ✅ The pilot flys cargo planes at night. (Rare but correct)
In everyday English, flies is the correct choice almost every time.
The Origin of Flys or Flies
The word fly comes from Old English flēogan, meaning “to move through the air.” Over time, English developed rules for changing words that end in -y.
Why does the spelling change?
English follows this rule:
- If a word ends in consonant + y, change y → i and add -es
That is why:
- fly → flies
- try → tries
- cry → cries
Flys exists because verbs can sometimes just add -s, but this form is rare and sounds unusual to most readers today.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no difference between British and American English for flys or flies.
Both varieties follow the same grammar rules.
Comparison Table
| Form | American English | British English |
| Plural noun | flies | flies |
| Verb (he/she/it) | flies | flies |
| Rare verb form | flys | flys |
✔ Both US and UK writers prefer flies in normal usage.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your audience matters.
Use flies if:
- You are writing for US, UK, or global readers
- You mean more than one fly
- You are using the verb in present tense
Use flys only if:
- You are writing very formally
- You mean “operates aircraft” (rare usage)
Professional advice:
👉 If you are unsure, always choose “flies.”
It is correct in over 95% of cases.
Common Mistakes with Flys or Flies
Here are frequent errors people make:
❌Mistake 1: Using flys as a plural noun
- ❌ There are many flys here.
- ✅ There are many flies here.
Mistake 2: Using flys as a normal verb
- ❌ She flys to London every week.
- ✅ She flies to London every week.
Mistake 3: Overthinking simple sentences
- ❌ He flys fast.
- ✅ He flies fast.
Remember: flies sounds natural, flys does not.
Flys or Flies in Everyday Examples
Emails
- ✅ The drone flies well in strong wind.
News
- ✅ The airline flies daily routes to Dubai.
Social Media
- ✅ Time flies when you are happy!
Formal Writing
- ✅ This species of bird flies long distances.
Rare formal case
- ✅ He flys military aircraft. (Correct but uncommon)
Flys or Flies – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “flys or flies” is a popular query worldwide. Most searches come from:
- Students
- ESL learners
- Content writers
- Bloggers
Usage trend:
- Flies is used far more often in books, articles, and online content.
- Flys appears rarely and mainly in technical or aviation contexts.
Popular regions:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- India
- Pakistan
- Philippines
This shows a strong global need for clarity on this keyword.
Comparison Table: Flys vs Flies
| Feature | Flys | Flies |
| Plural noun | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Common verb | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Rare verb | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Recommended use | ❌ Avoid | ✅ Use |
| Sounds natural | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
FAQs
1. Is flys ever correct?
Yes, but only as a rare verb meaning “operates aircraft.”
2. What is the plural of fly?
The plural is flies.
3. Is flies a noun or a verb?
It can be both, depending on the sentence.
4. Which form should students use in exams?
Always use flies.
5. Do British and American English differ here?
No. Both use flies.
6. Why does fly change to flies?
Because of the consonant + y → ies rule.
7. Can I use flys in daily writing?
No. It looks incorrect to most readers.
Conclusion
The confusion around flys or flies is understandable, but the rule is simple once you learn it. In modern English, flies is the correct and natural choice in almost all situations.
It works as both a plural noun and a present-tense verb, making it the safest option for students, writers, and professionals.
While flys does exist, its use is rare and limited. Most readers see it as a mistake, even when it is technically correct. That is why expert writers, teachers, and style guides recommend avoiding it unless absolutely necessary.
If you want clear, correct, and professional English, remember this advice: When in doubt, use “flies.” It will always match user intent, sound natural, and meet grammar standards in both British and American English.
Mastering small rules like this can greatly improve your writing confidence and accuracy.
