flags
flags in 30 Seconds
- Flags are colorful fabric symbols used to represent countries, organizations, or specific signals in sports and maritime activities.
- As a verb, 'flags' means to mark something for attention, such as an important email or a suspicious transaction.
- The word also describes a decline in energy, interest, or intensity, such as a runner's pace slowing down.
- Commonly used in idioms like 'red flags' to denote warning signs and 'flag down' to signal a vehicle to stop.
The word flags is a versatile term in the English language, functioning both as a plural noun and a multi-faceted verb. At its most fundamental level, a flag is a piece of fabric, often rectangular or triangular, featuring distinctive colors and designs. Historically, these objects served as vital tools for identification on battlefields and at sea, where visibility was paramount. Today, they represent national identity, organizational pride, and specific signals in sports or maritime navigation. When we talk about national flags, we are discussing symbols that evoke deep emotional and patriotic responses. However, the utility of the word extends far beyond physical cloth. In a digital and metaphorical sense, flags are markers used to draw attention to specific items, such as an important email in an inbox or a suspicious transaction in a banking system.
- Symbolic Representation
- In this context, flags serve as an emblem for a country, state, or organization. For example, the Olympic flag with its five rings represents the unity of the five continents.
- Signaling and Communication
- Flags are used to convey messages without words. In auto racing, a checkered flag signifies the end of the race, while a yellow flag warns drivers of danger on the track.
- The Verb Form: Marking
- To flag something means to mark it for future attention. If a moderator flags a comment on a website, they are identifying it as potentially violating rules.
The diplomat noted that the many flags flying outside the United Nations building represented the diversity of the global community.
Furthermore, the verb 'to flag' can describe a decline in energy or enthusiasm. If a runner's pace flags during the final mile of a marathon, it means they are becoming tired and slowing down. This dual nature of the word—representing both a bold signal and a subtle decline—makes it a fascinating study in English semantics. In professional settings, you might hear a manager say they have flagged a specific issue in a report, meaning they have highlighted it as a priority. This usage is common in project management software where 'flagging' a task moves it to a high-priority list.
The system automatically flags any login attempts from unrecognized geographic locations to prevent hacking.
During the parade, children waved small paper flags to welcome the returning heroes.
If your energy flags in the afternoon, try taking a short walk to rejuvenate your focus.
The referee flags the foul by throwing a bright yellow cloth onto the field.
- Red Flags
- A common idiom referring to warning signs or indicators of danger or problems in a relationship or business deal.
- Flagging Down
- The act of signaling a vehicle, like a taxi or a bus, to stop by waving your arms or a physical flag.
Using flags correctly requires understanding whether you are using it as a noun (plural of flag) or a verb (third-person singular present). As a noun, it typically follows adjectives or possessives. For example, 'The national flags of the European Union members are displayed in the hall.' Here, 'flags' is the subject of the sentence. As a verb, it often appears in contexts of monitoring or declining strength. 'The software flags errors in the code automatically.' In this instance, 'flags' acts as the action performed by the software. It is also important to recognize phrasal verbs like 'flag down.' You might say, 'She flags down a taxi every morning to get to work.' This specific construction is used exclusively for signaling vehicles.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- When 'flags' is a verb, it is used with singular subjects (he, she, it, the system). Example: 'The teacher flags the mistakes in the essay.'
- Plural Noun Usage
- When 'flags' is a noun, it refers to more than one flag. Example: 'The stadium was decorated with colorful flags.'
The auditor flags any transaction over ten thousand dollars for manual review.
In more advanced writing, 'flags' can be used to describe a waning of intensity. 'As the debate dragged into its fourth hour, the audience's attention flags.' This usage is somewhat formal and is often found in literature or high-level journalism. It provides a vivid image of energy slowly dissipating. Another common use case is in technology, specifically in programming or data management. A 'flag' is a variable that signals a certain condition. Therefore, 'The program flags the record as deleted' means it sets a specific marker to indicate the status of that data. This is a crucial concept for anyone working in IT or data science.
Nautical flags are used by ships to communicate important information about their status and intentions.
When the hiker became lost, he used bright orange flags to mark his trail for rescuers.
You will encounter the word flags in a wide variety of real-world environments, ranging from the highly formal to the everyday casual. In the world of international diplomacy and politics, 'flags' are ubiquitous. You'll hear news anchors talk about 'lowering the flags to half-mast' as a sign of national mourning. In the realm of sports, particularly in soccer (football) or American football, 'flags' are essential tools for officials. A linesman in soccer raises a flag to signal offside, while a referee in American football throws a yellow flag to indicate a penalty. In these contexts, the word is synonymous with rules and officiating.
- In the Office
- 'I've flagged that email for you to look at later.' This means the person has used a digital marker to ensure the email isn't forgotten.
- In Transportation
- 'We need to flag down a cab.' This is a very common phrase in urban environments like New York or London.
The security guard flags every vehicle that enters the gated community to verify their identity.
In the tech industry, 'flags' are a daily part of the vocabulary. Developers use 'feature flags' to turn specific parts of a software application on or off without deploying new code. This allows for 'canary releases' where a new feature is shown only to a small group of users. If you work in data analysis, you might 'flag' outliers in a dataset—data points that are significantly different from the rest and might indicate an error or a unique phenomenon. In casual conversation, you might hear someone talk about 'red flags' in a new relationship, referring to warning signs that the person might not be a good match. This idiomatic use has become extremely popular on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter.
The beach was closed because the lifeguards put up double red flags, indicating dangerous water conditions.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with flags is confusing its noun and verb forms in terms of grammar. For instance, saying 'He flag the car' instead of 'He flags the car' (present) or 'He flagged the car' (past). Another frequent error is the misuse of the phrasal verb 'flag down.' Some learners might say 'flag up' a taxi, which is incorrect. 'Flag up' is sometimes used in British English to mean 'to draw attention to something,' but it is never used for vehicles. Additionally, learners often confuse 'flags' with 'signs' or 'banners.' While all three are visual markers, a flag is specifically attached to a pole or rope and is usually made of fabric that can flutter in the wind.
- Flag vs. Banner
- A banner is typically a long strip of cloth with a message, often held between two poles or hung from a building. A flag is usually attached to a single pole on one side.
- Flag vs. Sign
- A sign is usually rigid (made of wood, metal, or plastic) and provides information or directions, whereas a flag is flexible and often symbolic.
Incorrect: I need to flag up a taxi.
Correct: I need to flag down a taxi.
There is also a subtle mistake in using 'flags' to mean 'tiring' in the wrong context. You wouldn't say 'The battery flags' to mean it's running out of power; instead, you would say 'The battery is dying' or 'running low.' 'Flags' is generally reserved for human energy, interest, or the intensity of an event. Furthermore, in the digital sense, 'flagging' an email is different from 'starring' or 'favoriting' it. While both mark the email, 'flagging' often implies a need for action or follow-up, whereas 'starring' usually just means it's important or a favorite. Understanding these nuances helps in sounding more like a native speaker.
The student flags the pages in her textbook with sticky notes to find important information quickly.
Depending on the context, there are several words you can use instead of flags. If you are referring to the physical object as a symbol of a country, 'standard' or 'ensign' are more formal and often used in military or naval contexts. A 'pennant' is a specific type of long, tapering flag often seen on ships or at sports events. If you are using 'flags' as a verb to mean 'marking,' alternatives include 'highlights,' 'marks,' 'tags,' or 'labels.' Each of these carries a slightly different connotation. 'Highlights' suggests making something stand out visually, while 'tags' is very common in social media and digital organization.
- Standard
- A formal term for a flag, especially one belonging to a high-ranking official or a military unit. Example: 'The Royal Standard'.
- Ensign
- A flag flown by a ship to show its nationality. It is a very specific maritime term.
- Wane
- An alternative for the verb 'to flag' when referring to energy or interest. Example: 'His enthusiasm began to wane.'
The ship's ensign was clearly visible as it entered the international waters.
When talking about 'flagging down' a vehicle, you could use 'hailing,' as in 'hailing a cab.' This is a more formal or traditional term. In the context of 'red flags,' you might use 'warning signs,' 'alarm bells,' or 'cautionary indicators.' These phrases provide a more descriptive way of saying the same thing. For the digital action of 'flagging,' 'reporting' is a common alternative on social media platforms when the intent is to notify the platform of inappropriate content. Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on the specific 'flavor' of the meaning you want to convey.
The editor highlights the most important sections of the manuscript for the author to review.
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The study of flags is called Vexillology, which comes from the Latin word 'vexillum', meaning a small square flag or banner.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a 'z'.
- Making the 'a' sound like 'e' (flegs).
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize in most contexts.
Verb usage 'to flag' (tiring) is more advanced.
Simple pronunciation.
Clear sound, but watch for 'z' at the end.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Third-person singular 's'
He flags the error.
Phrasal verb 'flag down'
She flagged down the bus.
Pluralization of nouns ending in 'g'
One flag, two flags.
Participle as adjective
His flagging interest was obvious.
Passive voice with 'flagged'
The post was flagged by the user.
Examples by Level
The flags are very colorful.
Les drapeaux sont très colorés.
Plural noun.
I see the flag of Japan.
Je vois le drapeau du Japon.
Singular noun.
Draw two flags in your book.
Dessine deux drapeaux dans ton livre.
Plural noun after a number.
The teacher has many small flags.
Le professeur a beaucoup de petits drapeaux.
Plural noun.
Is that the American flag?
Est-ce le drapeau américain ?
Proper adjective + noun.
We wave our flags at the parade.
Nous agitons nos drapeaux au défilé.
Possessive adjective + plural noun.
The boat has a red flag.
Le bateau a un drapeau rouge.
Adjective + noun.
Flags help us know the country.
Les drapeaux nous aident à connaître le pays.
Subject of the sentence.
She flags down a taxi on the street.
Elle fait signe à un taxi dans la rue.
Phrasal verb, third-person singular.
The golfer looks for the flags on the green.
Le golfeur cherche les drapeaux sur le green.
Plural noun.
They put up flags for the party.
Ils ont mis des drapeaux pour la fête.
Plural noun.
The ship uses flags to talk to other ships.
Le navire utilise des drapeaux pour parler aux autres navires.
Plural noun.
He flags the important emails in his inbox.
Il marque les e-mails importants dans sa boîte de réception.
Verb meaning 'to mark'.
The race starts when the man drops the flags.
La course commence quand l'homme baisse les drapeaux.
Plural noun.
There are fifty flags in front of the building.
Il y a cinquante drapeaux devant le bâtiment.
Plural noun.
The wind blows the flags very hard.
Le vent fait flotter les drapeaux très fort.
Object of the verb.
The system flags any suspicious activity.
Le système signale toute activité suspecte.
Verb, third-person singular.
If your energy flags, you should take a break.
Si votre énergie faiblit, vous devriez faire une pause.
Verb meaning 'to weaken'.
He ignored the red flags in the contract.
Il a ignoré les signaux d'alarme dans le contrat.
Idiomatic noun phrase.
The referee flags the offside with his yellow flag.
L'arbitre signale le hors-jeu avec son drapeau jaune.
Verb and noun in one sentence.
We need to flag these items for the manager.
Nous devons marquer ces articles pour le responsable.
Infinitive verb.
The building was draped in national flags.
Le bâtiment était drapé de drapeaux nationaux.
Passive construction with plural noun.
She flags the pages she needs to study.
Elle marque les pages qu'elle doit étudier.
Verb meaning 'to mark'.
His interest in the project flags after a month.
Son intérêt pour le projet faiblit après un mois.
Verb meaning 'to decline'.
The software flags potential errors in the data.
Le logiciel signale les erreurs potentielles dans les données.
Verb, third-person singular.
The company's growth flags due to the recession.
La croissance de l'entreprise faiblit en raison de la récession.
Verb meaning 'to slow down'.
They are flying the flags of all member states.
Ils font flotter les drapeaux de tous les États membres.
Present continuous with plural noun.
You should flag any issues during the meeting.
Vous devriez signaler tout problème pendant la réunion.
Modal verb + infinitive.
The red flags were apparent from the beginning.
Les signaux d'alarme étaient apparents dès le début.
Plural noun phrase.
He flags down the waiter to ask for the bill.
Il fait signe au serveur pour demander l'addition.
Phrasal verb.
The flags were lowered to half-mast today.
Les drapeaux ont été mis en berne aujourd'hui.
Passive voice, plural noun.
The audit flags several discrepancies in the accounts.
L'audit signale plusieurs divergences dans les comptes.
Verb, third-person singular.
The author's narrative energy never flags.
L'énergie narrative de l'auteur ne faiblit jamais.
Verb meaning 'to diminish'.
The report flags the urgent need for infrastructure reform.
Le rapport souligne le besoin urgent d'une réforme des infrastructures.
Verb meaning 'to highlight'.
Vexillology is the scientific study of flags.
La vexillologie est l'étude scientifique des drapeaux.
Noun in a technical context.
The system flags outliers for further investigation.
Le système signale les valeurs aberrantes pour une enquête plus approfondie.
Verb, technical usage.
The flags of convenience allow ships to avoid regulations.
Les pavillons de complaisance permettent aux navires d'éviter les réglementations.
Idiomatic maritime term.
Her enthusiasm flags as the complexity increases.
Son enthousiasme faiblit à mesure que la complexité augmente.
Verb, intransitive.
The diplomat's speech flags toward the end.
Le discours du diplomate faiblit vers la fin.
Verb meaning 'to lose strength'.
They flagged the transaction as a potential security breach.
Ils ont signalé la transaction comme une violation potentielle de la sécurité.
Past tense verb.
The flagging economy required drastic measures.
L'économie chancelante a nécessité des mesures drastiques.
Participle used as an adjective.
He flags the ethical implications of the new policy.
Il souligne les implications éthiques de la nouvelle politique.
Verb, abstract usage.
The flags were a tapestry of historical grievances.
Les drapeaux étaient une tapisserie de griefs historiques.
Metaphorical noun usage.
The algorithm flags semantic inconsistencies in the text.
L'algorithme signale les incohérences sémantiques dans le texte.
Verb, technical/academic.
Despite the long hours, her resolve never flags.
Malgré les longues heures, sa détermination ne faiblit jamais.
Verb, abstract subject.
The maritime ensign flags the vessel's origin.
Le pavillon maritime indique l'origine du navire.
Verb meaning 'to indicate'.
The study flags the precariousness of the current ecosystem.
L'étude souligne la précarité de l'écosystème actuel.
Verb, academic usage.
The flags fluttering in the square were a silent testament to the revolution.
Les drapeaux flottant sur la place étaient un témoignage silencieux de la révolution.
Noun in a literary context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To show support for your country or organization.
He went to the Olympics to fly the flag for his nation.
— To make an appearance to show strength or presence.
The navy sent a ship to show the flag in the region.
— Operating as part of a specific group or nation.
They fought under the flag of the resistance.
— To continue to support a cause or maintain a standard.
She kept the flag flying for the charity after he left.
— A foreign flag under which a ship is registered to avoid taxes.
The ship sailed under a flag of convenience.
— A deceptive act committed with the intent of blaming another party.
The attack was suspected to be a false flag operation.
— A white flag used to request a temporary stop in fighting.
They approached with a flag of truce.
— Specific flags used for communication at sea.
He learned the meaning of all the nautical flags.
Often Confused With
Signs are usually rigid and give directions; flags are fabric and symbolic.
Banners are long and often have text; flags are usually for symbols.
Flap is the movement a flag makes, not the object itself.
Idioms & Expressions
— A warning sign of danger or a problem.
His lack of eye contact was a red flag.
Informal/Professional— To signal a vehicle to stop and give you a lift.
We managed to flag a ride with a local farmer.
Informal— To indicate that you are interested in something.
He flagged his interest in the promotion early on.
Professional— When people are losing hope or becoming sad.
The music lifted the soldiers' flagging spirits.
Literary— To claim something as your own or establish a presence.
The company is looking to plant a flag in the Asian market.
Business— To test an idea to see how people react to it.
Let's run this marketing idea up the flagpole and see who salutes.
Business Slang— With great success or pride.
They entered the city with flags flying.
Literary— To use patriotism to avoid criticism or gain support.
The politician tried to wrap himself in the flag during the scandal.
Political— A symbol of death, piracy, or anarchy.
The pirate ship hoisted the black flag.
Historical— A warning, especially in sports or for infectious diseases.
The referee threw a yellow flag for the foul.
Sports/MedicalEasily Confused
Similar sound.
Flax is a plant used to make linen; flags are fabric symbols.
The field was full of flax, but the building had flags.
Similar spelling.
Flogs means to beat with a whip; flags means to mark or represent.
He flags the errors, he doesn't flog the students.
Similar sound and meaning (delay).
Lags refers to a delay in time; flags refers to a decline in energy.
The computer lags, but my energy flags.
Similar sound.
Brags means to boast; flags means to mark or symbolize.
He brags about his collection of flags.
Similar digital usage.
Tags are labels for categorization; flags are markers for attention/action.
I tagged the photo and flagged the comment.
Sentence Patterns
The [color] flags are [adjective].
The blue flags are pretty.
I see [number] flags.
I see five flags.
He flags down a [vehicle].
He flags down a taxi.
My [noun] flags.
My energy flags.
The system flags [noun] for [reason].
The system flags the account for suspicious activity.
The [noun] never flags.
The pace of the movie never flags.
Flagging [noun] requires [action].
Flagging errors requires careful attention.
Under the flags of [concept].
They united under the flags of freedom.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in daily life, sports, and technology.
-
I flag up a taxi.
→
I flag down a taxi.
The correct phrasal verb for signaling a vehicle is 'flag down'.
-
The flag is flapping in the air.
→
The flag is fluttering in the wind.
'Fluttering' or 'flying' is more common for flags than 'flapping'.
-
He flag the email.
→
He flags the email.
Third-person singular requires an 's'.
-
There are many flag in the street.
→
There are many flags in the street.
Plural noun is required after 'many'.
-
His energy is flagging down.
→
His energy is flagging.
When meaning 'getting tired', do not use 'down'. Just use 'flagging'.
Tips
Digital Marking
In apps like Outlook or Gmail, use 'flags' to mark items that need a response.
Watch for Red Flags
In business, 'red flags' are discrepancies in financial statements.
Verb Tense
Remember: 'flags' (present), 'flagged' (past), 'flagging' (continuous).
Maritime Terms
Learn about 'signal flags' if you are interested in sailing.
Taxi Hailing
In NYC, you 'flag down' a cab, you don't 'call' one on the street.
Energy Descriptions
Use 'flagging' to describe a boring meeting: 'The energy in the room was flagging.'
Flag Etiquette
Research how to handle flags; many countries have laws about it.
Referee Signals
A 'flag' in sports is often a signal of a rule being broken.
Visual Marker
Associate 'flags' with 'sticky notes' to remember the 'marking' meaning.
Vexillology
Use this word to impress people when talking about flag designs.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
F-L-A-G: Fabric Logos Always Guide. (Think of flags guiding people or signaling).
Visual Association
Imagine a bright red flag on a mailbox. When it's up, it 'flags' the mailman to stop. This helps remember both the noun and the verb.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'flags' as a noun and a verb in the same sentence, like: 'The referee flags the player who dropped the flags.'
Word Origin
Middle English 'flagge', likely from Old Norse or Dutch, referring to something that hangs loosely or flaps.
Original meaning: A piece of cloth that flaps in the wind.
GermanicCultural Context
Be careful with national flags; disrespecting them can be highly offensive in many cultures.
In the UK and US, flags are common in front of government buildings and schools.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At the Airport
- ground flags
- flagging the plane
- safety flags
- national flags
In an Office
- flag an email
- flag a meeting
- red flags in a report
- priority flags
At a Sports Game
- penalty flags
- corner flags
- linesman flags
- waving flags
On the Street
- flag down a taxi
- construction flags
- advertising flags
- street flags
In Programming
- boolean flags
- feature flags
- flag a variable
- set a flag
Conversation Starters
"What do the colors on your country's flags represent?"
"Have you ever had to flag down a taxi in a busy city?"
"What are some red flags you look for when meeting new people?"
"Do you ever flag emails to remind yourself to reply later?"
"Why do you think people are so passionate about their national flags?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when your energy began to flags during a difficult task.
If you had to design a flag for yourself, what symbols and colors would you use?
Write about a 'red flag' you ignored in the past and what happened.
Discuss the importance of flags in international sports like the Olympics.
How does digital 'flagging' help or hurt online communication?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsAs a verb, yes: 'He flags the error.' As a noun, it is plural: 'He has many flags.'
It means to wave at a driver so they stop their vehicle for you, like a taxi.
No, it can be used for business deals, health symptoms, or any dangerous situation.
Originally the most important ship in a fleet, now it means the best or most important item in a group, like a 'flagship store'.
Use it as a verb: 'His strength flags after the long race.' It means his strength is decreasing.
An ensign is a specific type of flag flown by a ship to show its nationality.
Usually, you flag a person's behavior or an account, not the person themselves, unless you are signaling them to stop.
It means the flag is flown halfway up the pole as a sign of respect for someone who died.
Yes, it can describe something that is weakening, like 'flagging interest' or 'flagging sales'.
They are toggles that allow developers to turn features on or off for certain users.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence using 'flags' as a noun to describe a parade.
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Write a sentence using 'flags' as a verb meaning 'to mark'.
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Write a sentence using the phrasal verb 'flag down'.
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Write a sentence using 'flags' to describe someone getting tired.
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Write a sentence about 'red flags' in a business deal.
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Describe the flags of two different countries you know.
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Explain why a referee might use flags in a sports game.
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Write a short paragraph about the importance of national flags.
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Use the word 'flagship' in a sentence about a company.
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Write a sentence using 'flags' in a digital context (e.g., email or social media).
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Write a sentence using 'flags' to describe a ship.
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Use 'flagging' as an adjective to describe an economy.
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Write a sentence about 'half-mast' flags.
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Describe a 'checkered flag' and where it is used.
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Write a sentence using 'flags' to mean 'to signal a vehicle'.
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Use 'flags' in a sentence about data analysis.
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Write a sentence about a 'white flag'.
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Write a sentence using 'flags' to describe a hiker marking a trail.
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Use the idiom 'run it up the flagpole'.
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Write a sentence about 'nautical flags'.
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Pronounce the word 'flags' and explain the 's' sound.
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Describe your national flag's colors and symbols.
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Explain how to flag down a taxi in a big city.
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Give an example of a 'red flag' in a job interview.
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Use 'flags' as a verb to describe a computer program.
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Discuss a time when your energy flagged during a long day.
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Explain the meaning of a 'white flag' to a child.
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Describe what a referee does with a flag in American football.
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What does 'flagship' mean to you in terms of technology?
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How do flags help ships communicate?
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Why do people wave flags at a sports game?
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What is a 'flagpole'?
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Explain 'run it up the flagpole' in a business context.
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What are 'nautical flags'?
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Describe a 'checkered flag' and its use.
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Use 'flagging' in a sentence about a conversation.
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What does 'under the flag of' mean?
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What is 'vexillology'?
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What is a 'false flag'?
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How do you feel when you see your national flag?
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Listen to the sentence: 'The system flags the error.' What is being marked?
Listen to: 'She flagged down a cab.' What did she do?
Listen to: 'His interest flags.' Is he more or less interested?
Listen to: 'The flags are at half-mast.' What does this indicate?
Listen to: 'Watch out for red flags.' What should you look for?
Listen to: 'The flagship model is expensive.' Which model is it?
Listen to: 'The referee flags the play.' What did the referee do?
Listen to: 'They raised a white flag.' What is their intention?
Listen to: 'The wind is blowing the flags.' What is moving?
Listen to: 'Vexillology is his hobby.' What does he study?
Listen to: 'He flagged the pages.' What did he use?
Listen to: 'The economy is flagging.' Is the economy doing well?
Listen to: 'They flew the flags of all nations.' How many nations were represented?
Listen to: 'Run it up the flagpole.' What is being tested?
Listen to: 'A false flag operation.' Is it a real flag?
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Summary
The word 'flags' is essential for describing both physical symbols of identity and the action of marking information for priority. For example: 'The system flags the error, while the national flags fly outside.'
- Flags are colorful fabric symbols used to represent countries, organizations, or specific signals in sports and maritime activities.
- As a verb, 'flags' means to mark something for attention, such as an important email or a suspicious transaction.
- The word also describes a decline in energy, interest, or intensity, such as a runner's pace slowing down.
- Commonly used in idioms like 'red flags' to denote warning signs and 'flag down' to signal a vehicle to stop.
Digital Marking
In apps like Outlook or Gmail, use 'flags' to mark items that need a response.
Watch for Red Flags
In business, 'red flags' are discrepancies in financial statements.
Verb Tense
Remember: 'flags' (present), 'flagged' (past), 'flagging' (continuous).
Maritime Terms
Learn about 'signal flags' if you are interested in sailing.
Example
The stadium was decorated with the flags of all the participating nations.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
More Other words
abate
C1To become less intense, active, or severe, or to reduce the amount or degree of something. It is most commonly used to describe the subsiding of natural phenomena, emotions, or legal nuisances.
abcarndom
C1To intentionally deviate from a fixed sequence or established pattern in favor of a randomized or non-linear approach. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to describe the process of breaking a structured flow to achieve a more varied result.
abcenthood
C1The state, condition, or period of being absent, particularly in a role where one's presence is expected or required. It often refers to a prolonged or systemic lack of participation in a social, parental, or professional capacity.
abcitless
C1A noun referring to the state of being devoid of essential logical progression or a fundamental missing component within a theoretical framework. It describes a specific type of structural absence that renders a system or argument incomplete.
abcognacy
C1The state of being unaware or lacking knowledge about a specific subject, situation, or fact. It describes a condition of non-recognition or a gap in cognitive awareness, often used in technical or specialized academic contexts.
abdocion
C1Describing a movement, force, or logical process that leads away from a central axis or established standard. It is primarily used in specialized technical contexts to describe muscles pulling a limb away from the body or ideas that diverge from a main thesis.
abdocly
C1Describing something that is tucked away, recessed, or occurring in a hidden manner that is not immediately visible to the observer. It is primarily used in technical or academic contexts to denote structural elements or biological processes that are concealed within a larger system.
aberration
B2A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. It refers to a temporary change or a deviation from the standard path or rule.
abfacible
C1To systematically strip or remove the external surface or facade of a structure or material for analysis, restoration, or cleaning. It specifically refers to the technical act of uncovering underlying layers while preserving the integrity of the core material.
abfactency
C1Describing a quality or state of being fundamentally disconnected from empirical facts or objective reality. It is typically used to characterize arguments or theories that are logically consistent within themselves but have no basis in actual evidence. This term highlights a sophisticated departure from what is observable in favor of what is purely speculative.