What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aviate
Example
He learned how to aviate a small airplane during his pilot training. [aviate: verb]
Example
Aviating requires a deep understanding of aerodynamics and aviation principles. [aviating: gerund or present participle]
fly
Example
The birds fly gracefully in the sky, soaring above the trees. [fly: verb]
Example
She enjoys flying to different countries and exploring new cultures. [flying: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fly is a more commonly used word than aviate in everyday language. Fly is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as describing the movement of birds or insects, traveling by air, or even metaphorically. Aviate, on the other hand, is a more specialized term used primarily in aviation-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aviate and fly?
While aviate is a technical term commonly used in aviation-related contexts, fly is a more general and commonly used word in both formal and informal settings.
