flag up

USAGE SUMMARY

"flag up" is a valid phrase in written English.
It means to point out or make something obvious. You can use it when you want to emphasize or draw attention to something. Example: The CEO flagged up several areas of improvement during the meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You see that flag up there.

The New York Times

I will flag up the best of it shortly.

The Guardian

We've waved our flag up in space, lads!

Independent

A sticker will flag up the Stoner connection.

Independent

On Friday, workers hoisted an American flag up a pole.

The New York Times

She's really interested to see what other people flag up.

The Guardian - Travel

"He's holding the flag up for the big United States".

The New York Times - Sports

In a moment, I'll flag up the highlights.

The Guardian

And we'll flag up the best of your contributions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Facebook users quickly took to rival social networks, including Twitter, to flag up the stoppage.

Independent

Whether I put the flag up or Moustafa did, the goal was realized".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flag up" when you want to draw attention to something that might otherwise be overlooked. For instance, "The report will flag up potential risks associated with the project".

Common error

Avoid using "flag up" in very casual conversations; alternatives like "mention" or "point out" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flag up" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive verb, requiring an object. It's used to draw attention to something, as validated by Ludwig and its extensive examples. It’s commonly used to indicate the need for further attention or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flag up" is a phrasal verb used to draw attention to something, typically an issue or important information. According to Ludwig, its function is to highlight or emphasize, and it is commonly used in neutral to formal contexts, such as news and media, science, and business. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's best to avoid overuse in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "highlight" or "point out" to maintain a natural tone in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highlight

This alternative is shorter and more direct.

point out

This alternative is more conversational and suggests directing someone's attention to something.

draw attention to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of making something noticeable.

call attention to

This alternative is similar to "draw attention to" but can also imply a warning.

emphasize

This alternative focuses on stressing the importance of something.

underscore

This alternative is more formal and implies highlighting something as particularly important.

bring to the forefront

This alternative is more descriptive and suggests making something a priority.

make known

This alternative is broader and simply means to reveal or disclose something.

bring up

This alternative means to introduce a topic or issue, which is a slightly different nuance.

signal

This alternative implies giving a sign or indication of something.

FAQs

How can I use "flag up" in a sentence?

You can use "flag up" to indicate that something is being brought to attention. For example, "The audit flagged up several discrepancies in the accounts".

What is a more formal alternative to "flag up"?

Formal alternatives include "highlight", "emphasize", or "underscore". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "flag up" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "flag up" can be appropriate for academic writing, especially when drawing attention to specific findings or issues. However, consider using more formal synonyms like "highlight" or "emphasize" for a more polished tone.

What does it mean to "flag something up"?

To "flag something up" means to bring it to someone's attention, often because it is important or problematic. It is similar to "point out" or "draw attention to".