that raises red flags

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that raises red flags" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is suspicious or concerning, often in contexts related to warnings or alerts. Example: "The sudden increase in expenses that raises red flags should be investigated further."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That's a line of inquiry that raises red flags with most counselors, since it treats a college acceptance as a trophy to win, rather than a matchup of a student with an environment where he or she would thrive.

Princeton University

"Those are struggles that will be ongoing for the next couple years for their Wii and 3DS, and I think that raises red flags among investors for the company's fundamentals over the medium term".

Independent

If so, backup your computer first, because iCloud requires a software update to the operating system your Mac – a move that raises red flags to any tech support guy (I used to be one).

The New York Times

There were concerns expressed years ago inside the EPA that glyphosate could be carcinogenic, and many independent scientists have pointed to research that raises red flags about both glyphosate and the formulated version that is Roundup.

Huffington Post

While it is true that Fox News is the most-watched cable news network, Trump's Twitter following, a whopping 50 million people, far surpasses that of Fox News watchers, a problematic fact that raises red flags for many.

HuffPost

That raises red flags for privacy advocates.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The audit committee's report contained many details about Mr. Dunn's behavior that raised red flags within Best Buy.

The New York Times

And there is always the risk that borrowers who go on at length could unknowingly trip themselves up with unnecessary details that raise red flags for a mitigator.

The New York Times

Known as the Conviction Integrity Program, the effort will be led by Bonnie Sard, a veteran assistant district attorney, who will monitor cases that raise red flags and oversee reinvestigations.

The New York Times

In March 2004, the team discovered, the executives had been sent an internal Wal-Mart de Mexico audit that raised red flags about the gestor payments.

The New York Times

Reports on Hanford from the G.A.O. in 2006 and 2009 expressed many of the same concerns, a pattern that raised red flags for those involved in the audit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies what is causing the concern. Providing specific details will enhance the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "that raises red flags" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, consider alternatives like "that warrants scrutiny" or "that signals a concern" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that raises red flags" functions as a signal of concern or warning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights potential problems that require attention. Examples show its use in various contexts, from academic admissions to financial audits, all indicating a need for further scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that raises red flags" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to signal concern or suspicion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although it appears less frequently, it finds its place in various contexts like academia and news media. While it's appropriate for general usage, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional settings. Its purpose is to alert the audience to potential issues, prompting further investigation. Given its authoritative source base, it's a reliable way to indicate that something warrants closer attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that triggers alarm bells

Emphasizes the triggering of a warning signal, similar to arousing suspicion.

that causes concern

Highlights the generation of worry or unease, focusing on the emotional response.

that is a cause for concern

Indicates something creating worry, with slightly different emphasis.

that signals a warning

Directly indicates the presence of a cautionary signal, akin to alerting about potential danger.

that sparks suspicion

Focuses on the initiation of distrust or doubt, portraying the beginning of skepticism.

that creates doubt

Highlights the generation of uncertainty or disbelief, similar to prompting questions.

that gives cause for alarm

Points out the existence of a reason to be worried or anxious, accentuating the gravity of the situation.

that hints at trouble

Subtly suggests forthcoming problems or difficulties, often in a less direct manner.

that should be investigated further

Indicates the need for additional scrutiny or examination, emphasizing the importance of further analysis.

that warrants closer inspection

Stresses the importance of a more detailed and careful examination, suggesting thoroughness.

FAQs

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

Use "that raises red flags" to indicate that something is suspicious or concerning and requires further attention. For example, "The sudden increase in expenses "that raises red flags" should be investigated further".

What are some alternatives to "that raises red flags"?

You can use alternatives like "that causes concern", "that signals a warning", or "that warrants closer inspection", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "that raises red flags" suitable for formal writing?

While "that raises red flags" is acceptable, it may be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives like "that warrants scrutiny" or "that signals a concern" in highly formal or academic contexts.

What does "that raises red flags" mean?

"That raises red flags" means something is concerning or suspicious, indicating a potential problem or issue that needs attention. It is similar to saying something is a warning sign or cause for alarm.