What are the definitions of “fly at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Attack.
The dog FLEW AT the cat when it came into the garden.
- 2Criticise or shout angrily.
He FLEW AT them for not trying hard enough.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fly at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fly at is to attack someone or something suddenly and aggressively. This can refer to a physical attack, like an animal attacking another animal, or a verbal attack, like someone shouting angrily at someone else.
What are the different verb forms of “fly at”?
| Root Verb | fly at |
| Third Person Singular Present | flies at |
| Present Participle | flying at |
| Simple Past | flew at |
| Past Participle | flown at |
Example
The cat flew at the dog when it entered the room.
Example
She flies at anyone who criticizes her work.
Example
He was flying at his friend for being late.
Example
The bird flew at the intruder to protect its nest.
Example
He had flown at his colleague for making a mistake.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fly at”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“fly at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The dog flew at the cat when it came into the garden.
Example
He flew at them for not trying hard enough.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fly at” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The dog flew at the cat when it came into the garden.
Example
He flew at them for not trying hard enough.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fly at”?
Good things to know
Does “fly at” have an informal or formal tone?
Fly at is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'attack' or 'criticize' instead.
