flag an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flag an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone wants to bring attention to a problem or concern that needs to be addressed. Example: "During the meeting, I will flag an issue regarding the project's timeline that needs further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So let me just take a moment to flag an issue others have been writing about: the weird Republican obsession with killing FEMA.

The New York Times

She offers some examples of how this could work: "A technician can now use the iPhone's built-in camera to capture a thermal image of a piece of equipment to diagnose an issue or iBeacons and built-in location services can push critical information to a nearby worker's iPhone or iPad in real time to help quickly flag an issue.

TechCrunch

Instead, John Key has kicked off his next three years as the country's leader by resurrecting the potential for a referendum to change the country's flag, an issue that was seen to have the lowest importance out of 11 topics polled earlier this year, falling far behind serious issues such as child poverty, education, health and jobs. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Terry Holt, a spokesman for Mr. Armey, said yesterday that by sending his proposal to the committee, the congressman was simply flagging an issue he hoped Congress would engage.

The New York Times

But while its call for a bigger agency budget, its qualms about going to Mars, and its support for commercial involvement received most of the media attention, the report also flags an issue largely neglected during its 2 months of hearings.

Science Magazine

But Daniel Tokaji, an expert on election law and voting rights at Mortiz College of Law in Ohio, flagged an issue in the "frequently asked questions" section of the training packet that could potentially confuse volunteers.

Huffington Post

In a recent speech about these terrifying, all-seeing manmade monstrosities, ex-Intel vice president and Australian mega-genius professor Genevieve Bell flagged an issue everyone has been ignoring in the race to a singularity: diversity.

Vice

There is no excusing that pandering, but at least the flag was an issue that year in that state.

The New York Times

Asked if Mr Farage was comfortable with the decision, his spokesman said: "Lowering a flag is an issue of diplomatic protocol, respect for an ally in the war on terror.

Independent

Indicators are an opportunity to flag an important issue.

Unicef

Poor visibility has been flagged as an issue, and there is reportedly the potential for blackouts.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports or giving presentations, use "flag an issue" to clearly and concisely highlight areas needing attention or improvement. For example: "I need to flag an issue regarding the budget overruns in Q3".

Common error

While "flag an issue" is generally acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In very informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "point out a problem" to avoid sounding overly formal or bureaucratic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flag an issue" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of drawing attention to a problem or concern. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flag an issue" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to highlight a problem or concern that requires attention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it is most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives include "highlight a problem" or "raise a concern", which may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember that the main goal of "flagging an issue" is simply to inform and alert others, so always consider context when selecting the most suitable phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Highlight a problem

Emphasizes bringing a problem to the forefront for attention.

Raise a concern

Focuses on expressing worry or doubt about a particular matter.

Identify a concern

Focuses on the act of recognizing and pointing out an issue.

Point out a problem

Directly indicates the act of showing where a problem exists.

Call attention to a matter

General way of emphasizing the need to address something specific.

Signal a difficulty

Implies the use of a signal to indicate the presence of a problem.

Note a challenge

Similar to identifying a problem, but emphasizes the difficulty involved.

Pinpoint a problem

Focuses on accurately identifying the precise source or nature of an issue.

Surface an issue

Focuses on bringing to light an issue that may have been hidden or not immediately obvious.

Draw attention to a question

Highlights the need for further consideration or investigation of a particular issue.

FAQs

How can I use "flag an issue" in a sentence?

You can use "flag an issue" to bring attention to a problem or concern that requires addressing. For example, "I need to "flag an issue" with the project's timeline."

What's a more informal way to say "flag an issue"?

Alternatives include "point out a problem", "raise a concern", or "bring up a matter" depending on the context.

What does it mean to "flag an issue"?

To "flag an issue" means to draw attention to something that needs to be addressed or resolved. It's a way of signaling that there's a potential problem that requires further investigation or action.

Is "flagging an issue" different from "raising an issue"?

While similar, "flagging an issue" often implies a more immediate need for attention, whereas "raising an issue" might simply mean bringing it up for discussion. Both "flagging an issue" and "raising an issue" are acceptable.