red flag

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'red flag' is a commonly used expression in written English.
It is often used to illustrate a warning sign or danger. For example: "The sudden drop in profits was a red flag for the investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a red flag".

The New York Times

It was "another red flag".

The New Yorker

"It is sort of a red flag".

The New York Times

"That is a red flag," he said.

The New York Times

Yikes, that's a big red flag!

The New York Times

A mere blip, or a red flag?

The New York Times - Sports

"This raised a red flag," he said.

The New York Times - Health

Intentional bricks will be the red flag.

The New York Times

Seems like a red flag.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They red-flag themselves.

The New Yorker

That's a red-flag statement.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "red flag", be specific about what constitutes the warning sign. Clearly articulate the potential negative consequences to ensure the message is effectively communicated.

Common error

Avoid using "red flag" as a vague term. Always provide context to explain what the "red flag" is and why it is concerning. Vague usage dilutes the impact and can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "red flag" functions primarily as a noun, serving as a warning signal or an indicator of potential danger or problems. Ludwig highlights its use in diverse contexts, confirming its role as a signifier of caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "red flag" is a very common idiom that serves as a warning signal or indicator of potential problems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news & media, wiki, and science. When using "red flag", ensure you provide specific context about the warning sign to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "warning sign" or "alarm bell" for nuanced situations. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warning sign

Focuses on the indicative nature of the problem.

danger signal

Emphasizes the imminent risk or hazard.

alarm bell

Highlights the alerting aspect of a potential issue.

cautionary indicator

Highlights the role of the phrase as a risk mitigator.

early warning

Specifies the temporal aspect of the indication.

cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the emotion generated by the issue.

potential problem

Identifies the issue as something that might occur.

trouble ahead

Highlights the fact that the problem is about to start.

reason to be wary

Shifts the focus to the action suggested by the issue.

something to watch out for

Emphasizes the proactive need to be vigilant.

FAQs

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

You can use "red flag" to indicate a warning sign or something that should cause concern. For example, "His constant lateness was a "red flag" for his employer".

What is an alternative to saying "red flag"?

Alternatives to "red flag" include "warning sign", "danger signal", or "alarm bell". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "red flag" in formal writing?

Yes, "red flag" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business, news, and analytical contexts. However, consider alternatives like "cause for concern" for a more nuanced tone in certain situations.

What's the difference between "red flag" and "deal breaker"?

"Red flag" indicates a potential problem or warning, while "deal breaker" signifies a condition that is unacceptable and immediately terminates an agreement or relationship. A "red flag" might lead to further investigation, whereas a deal breaker is an immediate stop.