Is It Correct to Say ‘Birds are Fly’ in English?

The English language, renowned for its complexity and flexibility, often leads to confusion when it comes to idiomatic and literal uses of words. One common query is whether it is correct to say 'birds are fly' without the -ing ending.

Understanding the Question

The Meaning and Usage of 'Fly'

The verb 'fly' in English can serve multiple purposes. When talking about birds in a literal context, the correct form is indeed 'birds are flying.' This tells us that the birds are currently in the act of flying.

For example:

The birds are flying south for the winter. Did you see the birds flying overhead?

Slang Usage of 'Birds are Fly'

On the other hand, in slang usage, 'birds' can refer to someone or something deemed cool or attractive. In this context, 'birds are fly' (doubled and capitalized for emphasis) can be a way to express that the mentioned birds are stylish or exciting.

For example:

These new birds are fly!

However, it is important to note that this usage is informal and slangy, and it might not be appropriate in formal or serious contexts.

Grammatical Correctness

The Plural Form of Birds

Emeritus Professor Rodney Huddleston, co-author with Professor Geoffrey Pullum of the authoritative "The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language," explains that the correct form is 'birds' when referring to more than one bird. The verb must also agree with the subject in number. Therefore, the correct form is 'the birds are flying' when you are talking about multiple birds, and 'this bird is flying' when you are referring to a single bird.

Subject-Verb Agreement

As Emeritus Professor Rodney Huddleston explains, in the English language, subjects and verbs must agree in number. For example, the verb 'fly' in the present tense takes its -ing form (-ing) with a plural subject (birds) but not with a singular subject (bird). This rule applies in all tenses and in different contexts.

Conclusion

Based on the established rules of English grammar and usage, the phrase 'the birds are flying' is grammatically correct when referring to multiple birds that are in the act of flying. If you are using 'birds are fly' in a colloquial setting to refer to stylish or attractive birds, it can be understood by familiar speakers of the language, but its use should be appropriately contextual.

Remember, language evolves, and slang and idiomatic expressions play a significant role. However, adhering to grammatically correct forms is generally preferred in formal or professional settings to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear communication.