it raises red flags

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it raises red flags" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is suspicious or concerning and may require further investigation or caution. Example: "The sudden increase in expenses without any explanation raises red flags about the financial management of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I think that's a legitimate concern," says Rispoli, admitting that when a privacy organisation gathers personal information and then passes it to an intelligence agency, "it raises red flags".

The Guardian - Tech

When you have one dentist contracted to the I.N.S. making these calls, it raises red flags".

The New York Times

"You can say it's a blip but in this day and age that shouldn't be happening during your peak trading period". Ms Hardcastle also thinks it raises red flags.

BBC

It raises "red flags" for him.

Vice

When you see a sale of this size to a country like Saudi Arabia, it raises red flags".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But Van de Vliet said that Dr. Levy's medical report was reviewed separately by five doctors with experience in Paralympic classification, and that it raised red flags.

The New York Times - Sports

It raised red flags because Cheney has frequently argued that his office is not part of the executive branch but rather is "attached" to the legislative branch by virtue of the vice president's role as president of the Senate.

The Washington Post

But it raised red flags with the Secondary Education and PTA councils.

Los Angeles Times

This study was commissioned as a response to the 50percentt rejection rate among young men drafted into the military in 1962, a rate so high it raised red flags about the nation's ability to develop a well-prepared military.

Huffington Post

While 3-D printing technology empowers people to create amazing objects once unimagined, it also raises red flags on the legal concept of strict product liability, according to a Stanford law professor.

Stanford University

That raises red flags for privacy advocates.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it raises red flags" when you want to clearly communicate that something is suspicious or requires further scrutiny. Ensure the context is appropriate for this idiom.

Common error

While "it raises red flags" is effective, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it signals a warning" or "it prompts suspicion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it raises red flags" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's used to signal a warning or indicate a potential problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it raises red flags" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to indicate suspicion or potential problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in written English. Found frequently in News & Media and also used in Formal & Business and Academic contexts, the expression serves as a warning signal, prompting further investigation or caution. While versatile, overuse should be avoided by employing synonyms like "it signals a warning" or "it prompts suspicion" to maintain writing quality and prevent repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it signals a warning

Replaces "raises red flags" with a more direct indication of a potential problem.

it causes alarm

Highlights the sense of worry or fear associated with the situation.

it rings alarm bells

Uses a more evocative metaphor to convey the same meaning.

it sparks concern

Focuses on the feeling of worry that the situation generates.

it prompts suspicion

Emphasizes the element of doubt and mistrust.

it gives cause for concern

Uses a more formal tone to express worry.

it suggests caution

Directs attention to the need for careful consideration.

it warrants investigation

Indicates that further examination is necessary.

it is a cause for alarm

Another option that emphasizes the alarming nature of the situation.

it is a matter of concern

A more understated way of expressing worry or apprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "it raises red flags" in a sentence?

Use "it raises red flags" to indicate that something is suspicious or concerning. For example, "The sudden increase in expenses without any explanation "it raises red flags" about the financial management of the project".

What can I say instead of "it raises red flags"?

You can use alternatives like "it signals a warning", "it causes alarm", or "it prompts suspicion" depending on the context.

Is "it raises red flags" formal or informal?

"It raises red flags" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.

What does it mean when something "raises red flags"?

When something ""it raises red flags"", it means that it indicates a potential problem, danger, or something suspicious that requires further investigation or attention.