at full mast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at full mast" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is completely raised or at its maximum level. Example: The American flag was flying at full mast on the Fourth of July.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The flags still flew at full mast.

The New York Times

"Cat!" he bellowed, his eyebrows at full mast.

The New York Times - Arts

But flags stayed at full mast until a chief justice died.

The Guardian - Opinion

William Shakespeare Deliver me thy bosom, oh beauty, And I'll fly my flag at full mast for thee.

The New Yorker

A week after the speech, the flag at the White House was back at full mast, waving in the wind.

The New York Times - Magazine

By Gwen Lawson December 9, 2016 William Shakespeare Deliver me thy bosom, oh beauty, And I'll fly my flag at full mast for thee.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Performed in the top screen, this feat resembles a flag at full-mast, suggesting ascendancy and security; in the lower screen, it evokes half-staff, and mourning or distress.

The New York Times - Arts

It fills the surface of a rather high-impact seascape by Inman, both bridging and subordinating symbolic ships in full mast at left and right.

The New York Times

Flags flown at half-mast should be hoisted to full mast then lowered slowly and ceremoniously to half-mast.

WikiHow

She drove from North Carolina to South Carolina on a whim, having told her husband that she knew it was crazy, but she needed to see the Confederate flag flying full mast outside the state house building in Columbia, while state and American flags flew at half mast in honor of the nine of victims of the Charleston shooting.

The Guardian

However, the flag is full mast high & the old hulk breasting the billows.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at full mast" to describe the position of a flag when it is raised to the top of its pole, typically on occasions other than mourning. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something at its highest point or fullest extent.

Common error

Avoid using "at full mast" when you mean to indicate mourning or respect for the deceased. In those situations, flags should be flown "at half mast". Ensure you understand the context to use the appropriate phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at full mast" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which something (typically a flag) is positioned. It specifies that the flag is raised completely to the top of the pole. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Reference

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at full mast" is a prepositional phrase that accurately describes a flag flown at the top of its pole. As Ludwig AI confirms with a “Correct” grammatical status, its principal role is to denote celebration or normality. Predominantly observed in News & Media, this phrase enjoys considerable usage, offering an alternative to descriptive terms like “fully raised”. Remember to avoid confusing "at full mast" with "at half mast" when the intention is to express bereavement. From practical usage tips to common errors, mastering this phrase enhances precision and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully raised

Describes the physical state of being completely raised, often in reference to flags.

at its peak

Indicates a state of maximum achievement or intensity.

in full display

Suggests something is presented openly and completely.

at full height

Describes something extended to its maximum vertical dimension.

completely unfurled

Specifically refers to the act of opening or unfolding something fully, like a sail or flag.

standing tall

Implies a sense of pride, strength or resilience.

in full glory

Suggests a display of magnificence and splendor.

in full bloom

Metaphorically suggests reaching full potential or development.

at maximum extension

Describes something stretched or extended to its limit.

in its entirety

Indicates completeness and wholeness.

FAQs

How is "at full mast" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "at full mast" usually describes a flag being raised to the top of its pole. For example, "The flag was flying at full mast to celebrate the victory."

When is it appropriate to fly a flag "at full mast"?

Flags are typically flown "at full mast" during celebrations, national holidays, or to signify regular business. This is in contrast to flying a flag "at half mast", which indicates mourning or respect for the deceased.

What does it mean when something is described as being "at full mast" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "at full mast" can describe something that is at its highest point, fullest extent, or maximum capacity. For example, "His enthusiasm was at full mast as he prepared for the project."

Is it grammatically correct to say "at full mast", or should it be "at full-mast"?

"At full mast" is the correct and more common form. While "full-mast" might be seen as a compound adjective in some contexts, the prevalent usage is without the hyphen.