a flag of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flag of concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a warning or signal that something may be problematic or requires attention. Example: "The sudden drop in sales was a flag of concern for the management team, prompting them to investigate the underlying issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A flag of concern goes up.

The New York Times

Ms Hodge wants to see professionals given the option to mark a child's file with a "flag of concern", and again to override parental resistance if necessary.

The Guardian

So, when you hear Trump waving a flag of concern for African Americans in his attempt to fund his wall, beware.

The Washington Post

And those workers would mark a child's file with a "flag of concern" if it was considered vital information that should be shared with other staff.

The Guardian

However, it would also record the details of any GP or other professional - whether a speech therapist or sexual health adviser - who had contact with the child, and would allow those workers to mark a file with a "flag of concern" if they thought vital information should be shared with other professionals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Larry Carbone, a laboratory animal veterinarian, writes that, in his experience, IACUCs take their work very seriously regardless of the species involved, though the use of non-human primates always raises what he calls a "red flag of special concern".

Wikipedia

But Professor Hedy Cleaver, research fellow at the Royal Holloway University of London, disagrees, saying it would make the system "hugely complicated" given that only the lead professional or senior practitioners working with a child would have full access to the nature of the flags of concern to avoid breaches of confidentiality.

The Guardian

Who is going to investigate and respond when two or more flags of concern show up?

The Guardian

Still, the poll raised some flags of concern for him, particularly should he win his party's nomination.

The New York Times

Giving those workers even more information would make them less competent than they were". The government claims that including flags of concern on the databases will highlight those cases requiring immediate action.

The Guardian

While the announcement raised red flags of concern for the welfare of retiring postal workers, experts, including postal employee unions, contend that the retirees will be fine -- or may even be better off -- if the USPS doesn't pay another cent into the fund for a long time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flag of concern" to signal potential problems or areas requiring further investigation. It's useful in situations where a preliminary assessment reveals something that warrants closer attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a flag of concern" as a generic substitute for more precise descriptions of problems. If you know the specific issue, describe it directly rather than relying on this general phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flag of concern" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or predicate nominative. It identifies something as a potential problem or something that warrants attention, similar to how Ludwig AI explained.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a flag of concern" is a noun phrase used to signal a potential issue requiring attention. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It functions to alert others to potential problems, often prompting investigation or action. While the frequency of the phrase is rare, its usage spans multiple domains, including news, wiki, and academia, suggesting a neutral tone. Alternatives such as "a warning sign" or "a red flag" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cause for concern

Focuses on the reason or source of the worry, rather than the initial sign.

a warning sign

Emphasizes the cautionary aspect, highlighting an impending issue.

a red flag

A more direct and urgent signal of a problem or danger.

an alarming signal

Highlights the alarming nature of the sign, stressing the urgency of attention.

a worrying trend

Indicates a pattern that is causing concern, rather than a single event.

grounds for apprehension

Highlights the reasons or basis of a feeling of worry or unease.

a matter of unease

Emphasizes a slight level of discomfort, anxiety or concern.

a sign of trouble

Indicates that something problematic is occurring or is likely to occur.

an indicator of risk

Highlights the presence of potential danger or adverse outcomes.

a source of anxiety

Focuses on what is causing a state of increased worry or nervousness.

FAQs

How can "a flag of concern" be used in a sentence?

"A flag of concern" is used to indicate a potential problem or issue that needs attention. For example, "The declining enrollment numbers are "a flag of concern" for the university administration."

What's a good alternative to "a flag of concern"?

Alternatives include "a warning sign", "a red flag", or "a cause for concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a flag of concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "a flag of concern" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally signals a potential problem. However, ensure the context warrants such a signal and that it's not used excessively.

What does it mean when something is labeled "a flag of concern"?

It means that the situation or item in question presents a potential problem that requires further examination or action. It indicates that something may not be right and should not be ignored.