there was a flap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a flap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a commotion, disturbance, or excitement about something. Example: "When the news broke, there was a flap among the employees as they speculated about the company's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There was a flap.

The New Yorker

"There was a flap of cloth over its face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was a flap while someone found a picture of "Serb One".

The Guardian

There was a flap last week about his blunder, later quietly corrected, in describing one of his own past opinions.

University of California, Berkeley

There was a flap anyway -- with a new hemorrhage of secrets and a new shudder from America's intelligence partners around the world.

The Washington Post

There was a flap at the back of her notebook where she kept a stack of white stickers that said "Found!" in red letters.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

enthusiasts, there is a "flap" occurring in and around Westchester and Putnam Counties, and it has been happening for more than a year now.

The New York Times

Every Olympics, it seems, there is a flap about flags: those not flown, those hung upside down, those from the wrong country.

The New York Times

Above that there is a flap covering a storage area that holds the remote for the rear seat massage.

TechCrunch

You'll also notice there's a flap of meat that stretches diagonally across about half of the ribs.

Los Angeles Times

There's a flap right now in Massachusetts over whether Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren was misleading in her use of the fact that she's 1/32 Cherokee!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was a flap" to describe a minor, often temporary, commotion or excitement surrounding a particular event or issue. It implies a brief period of heightened activity or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "there was a flap" when describing major scandals or events with long-lasting consequences. It's best suited for transient moments of excitement or controversy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a flap" functions as a declarative statement, typically introducing a narrative about a minor incident, controversy, or moment of excitement. Ludwig AI validates this through its numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was a flap" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a minor commotion or disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility through various examples. While suitable for news and general contexts, it might be too informal for strict academic or business use. Consider alternatives like "there was a stir" or "there was a controversy" for a more formal tone. It’s also crucial to avoid overstating the significance of an event when using this phrase, reserving it for transient moments of excitement or discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there was a commotion

Replaces "flap" with a more general term for noisy disturbance or excitement.

there was a stir

Uses a more subtle term for a minor disturbance or public excitement.

there was an uproar

Emphasizes a loud and forceful expression of public disapproval or outrage.

there was a controversy

Highlights the presence of prolonged public disagreement or debate.

there was a brouhaha

Employs a more informal and humorous term for a noisy and overexcited reaction or response.

there was a fuss

Indicates unnecessary excitement or concern about something unimportant.

there was a disturbance

Focuses on the interruption of peace and quiet or the disruption of a normal state.

there was a ripple

Implies a slight effect or reaction spreading gradually.

there was a fluttering

Suggests a light, rapid movement, often associated with anxiety or excitement.

there was a waving

Describes a back and forth movement or signal, differing from the commotion aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "there was a flap" in a sentence?

You can use "there was a flap" to describe a minor commotion or excitement, for example: "Yesterday there was a flap about whether Mr. Gore had misstated the cost of medicine for his labrador, Shiloh."

What's a good alternative to "there was a flap"?

Alternatives include phrases like "there was a commotion", "there was a stir", or "there was a disturbance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "there was a flap" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "there was a flap" might be considered too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "there was a controversy" or "there was an issue" in professional or academic settings.

What is the difference between "there was a flap" and "there was an uproar"?

"There was a flap" suggests a minor and often temporary disturbance, whereas "there was an uproar" indicates a much larger and more intense expression of public disapproval or excitement.