What is the Past Tense of ‘Fly’?
The past tense of “fly” is commonly known as “flew.” However, there are actually multiple past tense forms that have been used throughout the history of the English language.
- Regular past tense: flew
- Archaic past tense: flied
- Dialectal past tense: flown
Why is ‘Flied’ Considered Archaic?
The past tense form “flied” was commonly used in Middle English and Early Modern English. However, over time, the usage of “flied” decreased, and it is now considered archaic in contemporary English. The irregular form “flew” has become the standard past tense for most English speakers.
When Should ‘Flown’ be Used?
The past participle form “flown” is used in combination with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses (e.g., I have flown, she had flown). While “flown” is not commonly used as a simple past tense form in modern English, it is still an important part of the verb’s conjugation.
Exploring the past tense forms of irregular verbs like “fly” can provide a deeper understanding of the historical development of the English language. While the past tense form “flew” is the most widely recognized today, it is interesting to uncover the forgotten past soars of “flied” and “flown.” Next time you take flight, remember the diverse past tenses that have shaped the verb “fly” over time.