Flew is the simple past form of the verb fly.

The noun flu (shortened form of influenza) refers to a contagious viral infection.

The noun flue refers to a channel in a chimney or any enclosed passageway.

Examples:

• One flew east, one flew west, and one flew over the cuckoo's nest.
• Millions are at risk of going without the flu vaccine this year.
• Customers have been told that expensive flue work is required to bring their homes up to modern standards.

Practice:

(a) Planes _____ back and forth across the skies above the Lebanese capital.

(b) If you have a working chimney, you should have the _____ checked regularly by a professional.

(c) About every 30 years, there is a major change in the genetics of the _____ virus.

Answers to Practice Exercises

Glossary of Usage: Index of Commonly Confused Words