starting to flag

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting to flag" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when one has grown tired or weak and their energy and enthusiasm has begun to waiver. For example, "The long day was starting to flag, so we decided to call it a night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I'm starting to flag now.

The Guardian - Sport

You start out strong, but by midafternoon you're starting to flag.

Harvard University

By that point, the fighter's energy was visibly starting to flag.

The New York Times

But back onstage, the crazy quest to rescue our hostage hero is starting to flag.

The Guardian

You need your colleagues to make interventions when you are starting to flag.

The Guardian

Like the on-screen momentum, I fear I'm starting to flag.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Most albums, even good ones, start to flag toward the end.

The New Yorker

It also helps to cut them back when they start to flag.

The New York Times

Inevitably, there are moments when the series's creative verve starts to flag.

The New York Times - Arts

When comic action starts to flag, an able supporting performer or a surprise real-life cameo — Lars Ulrich of Metallica!

The New York Times

(Story continues below the chart).If Moore's law has started to flag, it is mainly because of economics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting to flag" to subtly indicate a decline in energy or enthusiasm, rather than a sudden stop. This phrase is suitable for describing a gradual process.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "starting to flag" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise or clinical terms like "experiencing diminished capacity" or "exhibiting reduced efficiency" for increased professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to flag" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a gerund phrase because of the present participle "starting", typically used to describe a process of decline or weakening. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a gradual loss of energy or enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting to flag" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a gradual decline in energy, enthusiasm, or effectiveness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, with some presence in Academia, it conveys a process of weakening. Although versatile, consider audience register since more formal contexts may ask for alternatives. Use it for implying a subtle decline, and be sure not to overuse it in formal pieces. If the phrase's specific nuance doesn't feel right, interchangeable options are plentiful—options that include "losing steam" and "waning energy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flagging

A shorter, more direct synonym of "starting to flag", suitable when brevity is desired.

losing steam

Implies a gradual reduction in power or effectiveness, similar to "starting to flag" but often used in more dynamic contexts.

waning energy

Focuses specifically on a decrease in energy levels, suitable for describing physical or mental fatigue.

petering out

Suggests a slow and gradual decline to nothing, emphasizing the final stage of diminishing activity.

tiring

A more direct and simpler way to describe the feeling of becoming tired.

becoming fatigued

A more formal way of saying someone is getting tired, suitable for technical or medical contexts.

slowing down

Emphasizes a reduction in speed or pace, applicable when describing a decrease in activity or progress.

losing momentum

Refers to a decrease in the driving force or impetus behind an activity or project.

running out of steam

Similar to "losing steam", it emphasizes the depletion of energy reserves.

weakening

Implies a loss of strength or effectiveness, suitable for describing a decline in physical or metaphorical power.

FAQs

What does "starting to flag" mean?

The phrase "starting to flag" means that something or someone is beginning to lose energy, enthusiasm, or effectiveness. It indicates a gradual decline in performance or interest.

How can I use "starting to flag" in a sentence?

You can use "starting to flag" to describe a person's energy levels (e.g., "After a few hours of hiking, my energy was starting to flag"), or to describe the weakening of something else (e.g., "Interest in the project was "losing steam"").

What are some synonyms for "starting to flag"?

Synonyms for "starting to flag" include "losing steam", "waning energy", "petering out", or "becoming fatigued". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "starting to flag" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable in many contexts, "starting to flag" may be too informal for highly formal or technical writing. Consider using more precise terms like "experiencing diminished capacity" or "exhibiting reduced efficiency" in those situations.