red flags

USAGE SUMMARY

"red flags" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a warning sign or indicator about something. For example: "I saw several red flags in the job posting, so I chose not to apply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No red flags.

The New York Times

RED flags flutter.

The Economist

Raised red flags, too.

The New York Times - Science

"There are not red flags.

The New York Times

Those are glaring red flags.

The New York Times

"No red flags popped up.

The New York Times - Sports

What would raise red flags?

The New York Times

Still, red flags existed.

The New York Times

"There weren't just red flags, there were burning red flags".

The New York Times

Just preparing you for some red flags".

The New Yorker

There were red flags from the beginning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "red flags", be specific about what constitutes the warning sign. Clearly articulate the potential problem to ensure effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "red flags" vaguely. Always provide context and specifics to what these flags represent to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "red flags" primarily functions as a noun, often used to identify warning signs or indicators of potential problems. It is frequently employed to alert someone to a cause for concern, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "red flags" is a commonly used phrase that serves as a warning indicator for potential problems. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its function is primarily as a noun, used to signal caution across various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While versatile, it's crucial to provide specific context when using "red flags" to ensure clarity. Related phrases include "warning signs" and "cause for concern". Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, reflecting its prevalence in reputable media outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warning signs

Focuses on the indicative nature of the signals.

cause for concern

Highlights the reason for apprehension or worry.

alarm bells

Emphasizes a sudden sense of alert about a potential danger.

potential pitfalls

Directs attention to possible difficulties or traps.

deal breakers

Points out factors that would cause something to be rejected.

early warnings

Stresses the timeliness of the alerts.

cautionary signs

Advises carefulness based on observed signals.

areas of concern

Highlights specific issues needing attention.

potential issues

Indicates possible problems that might arise.

ominous signs

Suggests a negative or threatening future outcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "red flags" in a sentence?

Use "red flags" to highlight potential problems or warning signs. For example, "The company's declining revenue was a "red flag" for investors".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "red flags"?

You can use alternatives like "warning signs", "cause for concern", or "alarm bells" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "red flags"?

It's appropriate to use "red flags" in situations where you want to point out potential risks, issues, or problems that need attention or investigation.

What does it mean when someone says something "raised red flags"?

When someone says something "raised red flags", it means that it created suspicion or concern, indicating that there might be a problem or something is not right.