Time Has Flew By Or Time Has Flown By: What Is the Difference & Which Is Correct?

“Time has flew by” and “time has flown by” sound similar, but only one is grammatically correct in standard English. The confusion comes from the irregular verb fly, which changes differently in the past tense and past participle. This guide explains the difference, correct usage, common mistakes, and practical examples so you can confidently choose the right expression.

Comparison Overview

The expressions “time has flew by” and “time has flown by” both attempt to describe how quickly time seems to pass. However, they do not have the same grammatical status.

The key difference is the form of the irregular verb fly:

• Fly = base form
• Flew = simple past
• Flown = past participle

Because has is a helping verb used to form the present perfect tense, it must be followed by the past participle. Therefore:

• ❌ Time has flew by.
• ✅ Time has flown by.

The correct expression is “time has flown by.”

The phrase means that time has passed very quickly, often giving the speaker a feeling of surprise about how quickly a period has ended.

For example:

Time has flown by since we started this project.

Here, has + flown correctly forms the present perfect construction.

Definition of “Time Has Flew By”

“Time has flew by” is an incorrect grammatical expression in standard English.

The problem is the word flew. Flew is the simple past form of fly, not the past participle.

The verb forms are:

Verb Form	Correct Form
Base form	fly
Simple past	flew
Past participle	flown
Present participle	flying

We use flew when the sentence is in the simple past:

• Time flew by yesterday.
• The years flew by.
• The afternoon flew by.

But when has or have appears before the verb, we need flown:

• Time has flown by.
• The years have flown by.
• The afternoon has flown by.

Therefore, “time has flew by” should not normally be used in formal or standard English writing.

Definition of “Time Has Flown By”

“Time has flown by” is the grammatically correct expression.

It uses the present perfect structure:

has + past participle

In this sentence:

• has = auxiliary verb
• flown = past participle of fly
• by = particle forming the phrasal verb fly by

The expression means that time has passed surprisingly or remarkably quickly.

For example:

Time has flown by since I started college.

This means that the speaker feels the period of college has passed very quickly.

The expression is common in everyday conversations, personal writing, social media posts, speeches, and reflective writing.

Main Differences Between “Time Has Flew By” and “Time Has Flown By”

The main difference is grammatical rather than semantic. Both expressions are intended to communicate the same idea, but only “time has flown by” uses the correct verb form.

Feature	Time Has Flew By	Time Has Flown By
Grammatical status	Incorrect in standard English	Correct
Verb form	Flew	Flown
Form of fly	Simple past	Past participle
Used after “has”	No	Yes
Meaning	Intended to mean time passed quickly	Time has passed quickly
Formal writing	Avoid	Recommended
Everyday standard English	Avoid	Correct

Why “Flew” Is Wrong After “Has”

The word flew is a simple past verb.

For example:

Time flew by last summer.

There is no auxiliary has before flew, so the simple past form is appropriate.

However, when we use has, the verb must be in its past participle form:

Time has flown by.

This is the same pattern seen with other irregular verbs:

• has gone, not has went
• has seen, not has saw
• has taken, not has took
• has written, not has wrote
• has flown, not has flew

Why Do People Say “Time Has Flew By”?

The confusion is understandable because flew is the past form of fly.

Many learners know:

Time flew by.

They may then incorrectly assume that adding has leaves the verb unchanged:

Time has flew by.

But English irregular verbs often change form when used with auxiliary verbs.

Compare:

• I saw him yesterday.
• I have seen him before.

Similarly:

• Time flew by.
• Time has flown by.

The change from flew to flown is necessary because the second sentence uses the present perfect tense.

Understanding the Verb “Fly”

The verb fly has three important forms that learners should memorize.

Base Form: Fly

The base form is fly.

Examples:

• Birds fly across the sky.
• I want to fly to London.
• Time seems to fly when we are having fun.

Simple Past: Flew

The simple past form is flew.

Examples:

• Time flew by yesterday.
• The bird flew over the house.
• We flew home last night.

Past Participle: Flown

The past participle is flown.

It normally appears with auxiliary verbs such as has, have, had, or be in certain constructions.

Examples:

• Time has flown by.
• The years have flown by.
• She had flown home before the storm arrived.

Grammar Guide

Understanding the difference between flew and flown makes this comparison much easier.

The central grammar rule is:

Has/have/had + past participle

Because flown is the past participle of fly, we say:

Time has flown by.

We do not normally say:

Time has flew by.

How Each Term Is Used in Sentences

The basic patterns are:

Simple past:

Subject + flew + by

Example:

Time flew by during the vacation.

Present perfect:

Subject + has/have + flown + by

Examples:

Time has flown by since graduation.

The years have flown by.

Past perfect:

Subject + had + flown + by

Example:

By the time we noticed, several hours had flown by.

These patterns help you select the correct form.

“Flew” With Simple Past

Use flew when talking about a completed event in the past.

Examples:

• The afternoon flew by.
• The weekend flew by.
• Last year flew by.

You can often identify the simple past by words such as:

• yesterday
• last week
• last year
• two days ago
• in 2020
• when I was younger

Example:

The summer flew by last year.

“Flown” With Perfect Tenses

Use flown after has, have, or had when fly is being used as a past participle.

Examples:

• Time has flown by.
• The months have flown by.
• Several years had flown by before we met again.

This is why “time has flown by” is correct.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Mistake 1: Using “Flew” After “Has”

Incorrect:

Time has flew by.

Correct:

Time has flown by.

Mistake 2: Thinking All Past Forms Work After “Has”

English has different past forms. The simple past and past participle are not always identical.

For example:

• go → went → gone
• see → saw → seen
• take → took → taken
• fly → flew → flown

Therefore, do not automatically use the simple past after has.

Mistake 3: Replacing “Flew” Everywhere With “Flown”

The opposite mistake is also possible.

Incorrect:

Time flown by yesterday.

Correct:

Time flew by yesterday.

The word flown normally requires an appropriate auxiliary verb in this type of sentence.

Simple Rules to Remember

Use this easy rule:

No auxiliary + past event → flew

Time flew by.

Has/have/had + past participle → flown

Time has flown by.

A quick memory trick is:

Flew goes alone; flown needs a helper.

This is a useful shortcut for remembering the distinction.

Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking

When you want to say that time passed quickly:

• Use “time has flown by” when connecting the past to the present.
• Use “time flew by” for a completed past period.
• Avoid “time has flew by” in standard English.
• Remember that flew is simple past.
• Remember that flown is the past participle.

For polished writing, choose the form based on the tense rather than simply choosing the word that sounds familiar.

Time Has Flown By vs. Time Flew By

Both “time has flown by” and “time flew by” are correct, but they are used in different grammatical contexts.

Time Has Flown By

This is present perfect.

It often describes a period that started in the past and is viewed from the present.

Example:

Time has flown by since we moved here.

The speaker is reflecting on time that has passed up to now.

Time Flew By

This is simple past.

It normally describes a completed period in the past.

Example:

Time flew by during our vacation.

The vacation is presented as a completed past period.

Compare the Two

Time flew by during my first year at university.

This refers to a completed past period.

Time has flown by since I started university.

This connects the past experience with the present.

When to Use Each One

Use “Time Has Flown By” When

Use “time has flown by” when:

• You are reflecting on time up to the present.
• A period began in the past and continues to matter now.
• You want to express surprise about how quickly time has passed.
• You are talking about an ongoing life experience.
• You are writing a reflection or personal message.

Examples:

Time has flown by since we first met.

Time has flown by, and graduation is already here.

Use “Time Flew By” When

Use “time flew by” when describing a completed past period.

Examples:

Time flew by during the holiday.

The afternoon flew by while we were talking.

My childhood years flew by.

When NOT to Use Each One

Do Not Use “Time Has Flew By”

Avoid this construction in standard English:

❌ Time has flew by.

Use:

✅ Time has flown by.

The problem is not the meaning. The problem is the verb form.

Do Not Use “Time Flew By” for Every Situation

Although “time flew by” is correct, it should not automatically replace “time has flown by.”

For example:

Time has flown by since we started working together.

Changing this to:

Time flew by since we started working together.

can create a tense problem because since commonly introduces a starting point that connects an earlier event to the present.

Which One to Use: Decision Guide

When deciding between the two expressions, follow these steps.

Step 1: Look for “Has”

If your sentence contains has before the verb, use flown.

Time has flown by.

Not:

❌ Time has flew by.

Step 2: Ask Whether the Time Period Is Completed

If you are describing a completed past period, flew may be correct.

Time flew by during the weekend.

Step 3: Check for a Connection to the Present

If the sentence describes time passing from a past point up to now, use has flown.

Time has flown by since our wedding.

Step 4: Remember the Verb Forms

Memorize:

fly → flew → flown

This single sequence resolves most of the confusion.

Real-World Practical Examples

“Time Has Flew By” Examples

Because “time has flew by” is grammatically incorrect in standard English, these examples show the incorrect form and its corrected version.

1. Incorrect — Daily life:
   ❌ Time has flew by since we moved into this house.
   ✅ Time has flown by since we moved into this house.
2. Incorrect — Education:
   ❌ Time has flew by since the beginning of the school year.
   ✅ Time has flown by since the beginning of the school year.
3. Incorrect — Business:
   ❌ Time has flew by since I started my new job.
   ✅ Time has flown by since I started my new job.
4. Incorrect — Conversation:
   ❌ Wow, time has flew by while we were talking.
   ✅ Wow, time has flown by while we were talking.
5. Incorrect — Writing:
   ❌ Time has flew by, and another year is almost over.
   ✅ Time has flown by, and another year is almost over.

The important lesson is that flew should not follow has in this construction.

“Time Has Flown By” Examples

1. Daily life:
   Time has flown by since we moved into our new home.
2. Education:
   Time has flown by since I started college.
3. Business:
   Time has flown by since I joined the company.
4. Technology:
   Time has flown by since we launched the new website.
5. Conversation:
   I can’t believe it—time has flown by!
6. Family:
   Time has flown by since our children started school.
7. Writing:
   Time has flown by, yet those memories still feel fresh.
8. Travel:
   Time has flown by during our stay in the city.
9. Personal reflection:
   Time has flown by since we first became friends.
10. Work:
    Time has flown by since my first day at the office.

Self-Assessment: Fill in the Blanks

Complete each sentence with flew or flown.

1. Time has ______ by since we first met.
2. The weekend ______ by surprisingly quickly.
3. I cannot believe how quickly time has ______ by.
4. The afternoon ______ by while we were studying.
5. Several years have ______ by since graduation.
6. Time ______ by during our vacation last summer.
7. The months have ______ by since the project began.
8. Yesterday, time ______ by while I was working.
9. Time has ______ by, and the deadline is almost here.
10. The school year ______ by before we realized it.
11. I feel as though time has ______ by since I moved here.
12. The evening ______ by while we talked.
13. Many years have ______ by since that memorable day.
14. Time ______ by during the concert last night.
15. Time has ______ by since we started the business.
16. The first few hours ______ by without anyone noticing.
17. The years have ______ by faster than I expected.
18. Time ______ by when I was on vacation.
19. I can’t believe that another month has ______ by.
20. The entire afternoon ______ by while we were discussing the plan.

Answers

1. flown — “Has” requires the past participle flown.
2. flew — The sentence describes a completed past period.
3. flown — “Has” requires flown.
4. flew — The sentence uses the simple past.
5. flown — “Have” requires the past participle flown.
6. flew — The vacation is presented as a completed past period.
7. flown — “Have” requires flown.
8. flew — “Yesterday” indicates a completed past event.
9. flown — “Has” requires flown.
10. flew — The school year is treated as a completed period.
11. flown — “Has” requires the past participle.
12. flew — The sentence refers to a completed evening.
13. flown — “Have” requires flown.
14. flew — “Last night” indicates simple past.
15. flown — “Has” requires flown.
16. flew — The sentence describes a completed past situation.
17. flown — “Have” requires flown.
18. flew — The vacation is presented as a completed past experience.
19. flown — “Has” requires flown.
20. flew — The sentence describes a completed past afternoon.

Quick Reference: Flew vs. Flown

Form	Example	Correct?
Time flew by.	Simple past	✅
Time has flown by.	Present perfect	✅
Time had flown by.	Past perfect	✅
Time has flew by.	Wrong past form after “has”	❌
Time have flown by.	Wrong auxiliary for singular “time”	❌
Time has fly by.	Wrong verb form	❌

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “time has flew by” correct?

No. “Time has flew by” is not correct in standard English. The correct expression is “time has flown by.” The reason is that flew is the simple past form of fly, while flown is the past participle required after has.

Is “time has flown by” grammatically correct?

Yes. “Time has flown by” is grammatically correct. It uses the present perfect structure has + past participle. Since flown is the past participle of fly, this is the appropriate form.

What is the difference between flew and flown?

Flew is the simple past form of fly, while flown is the past participle. For example, say “Time flew by yesterday” but “Time has flown by since then.”

Can I say “time flew by”?

Yes. “Time flew by” is completely correct. It uses the simple past tense and is appropriate when describing a completed period in the past.

Should I say “time has flew by” or “time has flown by”?

You should say “time has flown by.” After the auxiliary verb has, use the past participle flown, not the simple past flew.

Why is flown used after has?

Flown is the past participle of the irregular verb fly. The present perfect tense follows the pattern has/have + past participle, so the correct construction is has flown.

Is “time has flown by” formal English?

Yes. “Time has flown by” is standard English and can be used in conversations, emails, articles, personal writing, speeches, and professional contexts.

Can I use “time has flown by” in an essay?

Yes. The expression is grammatically correct and natural. In formal academic writing, however, you should use it only when its figurative meaning fits the context.

What is the past tense of fly?

The simple past of fly is flew. For example: “The bird flew across the sky.” The past participle is flown, as in “The bird has flown away.”

What is the easiest way to remember flew and flown?

Remember the sequence fly → flew → flown. Use flew for simple past situations and flown after has, have, or had when forming a perfect tense.

Conclusion:

When choosing between “time has flew by” and “time has flown by,” the correct expression is “time has flown by.” The difference comes from the irregular verb fly, which has three forms: fly, flew, flown. Because has is followed by a past participle, flown is required. On the other hand, flew is used as the simple past form, as in “Time flew by during our vacation.” Understanding this small but important grammar rule can help you avoid a common mistake in both speaking and writing. Whenever you want to express that time has passed surprisingly quickly and connect that experience to the present, choose “time has flown by.” Once you remember the pattern fly → flew → flown, the difference becomes simple. Whether you are writing an email, an essay, or having a conversation, “time has flown by” is the natural and grammatically correct choice.

FAQs

Is “time has flew by” grammatically correct?

No, “time has flew by” is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct expression is “time has flown by.” The verb fly changes to flown after has because the present perfect tense requires a past participle. Flew is the simple past form and should be used without has in this construction.

Should I say “time has flown by” or “time has flew by”?

You should say “time has flown by.” The word flown is the past participle of fly, so it correctly follows the auxiliary verb has. The expression means that time has passed very quickly. “Time has flew by” uses the simple past form incorrectly and should be avoided in standard English.

What is the difference between “flew” and “flown”?

Flew is the simple past form of fly, while flown is its past participle. For example, “Time flew by yesterday” uses simple past, whereas “Time has flown by since we met” uses the present perfect tense. Remembering fly, flew, flown makes it easier to select the correct form.

Can I say “time flew by”?

Yes, “time flew by” is grammatically correct. It uses the simple past tense and describes a completed period that seemed to pass quickly. For example, you can say, “Time flew by during our vacation.” Use “time has flown by” when you are connecting the past experience to the present.

Why is “flown” used after “has”?

Flown is used after has because it is the past participle of the irregular verb fly. The present perfect tense follows the pattern has or have + past participle. Therefore, the correct construction is “has flown,” not “has flew.” This same grammar principle applies to many other irregular English verbs.

What does “time has flown by” mean?

“Time has flown by” means that time has passed very quickly, often faster than expected. People commonly use this expression when reflecting on experiences, relationships, vacations, school years, jobs, or important life events. It can express surprise, nostalgia, or simply the feeling that a particular period ended sooner than expected.

Is “time has flown by” common in everyday English?

Yes, “time has flown by” is a very common and natural expression in everyday English. Native speakers frequently use it when talking about how quickly a period has passed. You might hear it in conversations about birthdays, vacations, work, education, family experiences, or relationships. It also works well in informal and professional writing.

Is “time has flown by” suitable for formal writing?

Yes, “time has flown by” is grammatically correct and suitable for many types of writing. It can appear in personal essays, speeches, letters, articles, and reflective writing. However, because it is somewhat figurative, a more direct expression such as “time has passed quickly” may be preferable in highly technical or strictly academic contexts.

How can I easily remember “flew” versus “flown”?

A simple way to remember the difference is to memorize the three forms together: fly → flew → flown. Use flew for the simple past, as in “Time flew by.” Use flown after has, have, or had, as in “Time has flown by.” This pattern will prevent the most common mistake.

What is the correct sentence: “Time has flew by” or “Time has flown by”?

The correct sentence is “Time has flown by.” Since has requires the past participle in a present perfect construction, flown is the appropriate form of fly. “Time has flew by” is incorrect because flew is the simple past form. For standard English, always choose “time has flown by.”