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Phrasal verbs "flag down" vs "flag up"

Differences between flag down and flag up

Flag down means to signal or stop someone or something, usually by waving your hand or a flag. Flag up means to draw attention to something or to raise a concern.

Meanings and Definitions: flag down vs flag up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Flag down

  • 1Signal at a vehicle to get it to stop.

    The police officer FLAGGED the car DOWN because it didn't have its headlights on.

Flag up

  • 1Raise an issue, or highlight its importance.

    We should FLAG UP working conditions at the meeting.

Usage Examples: flag down, flag up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

flag down

Example

I need to flag down a taxi to get to the airport.

Example

She flags down the bus every morning to go to work.

flag up

Example

We need to flag up the safety concerns at the meeting.

Example

She flags up the budget issues during the conference call.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Flag down

hail

To signal or call out to someone or something, usually to get their attention or to ask for a ride.

Example

She tried to hail a taxi on the busy street corner, but they were all taken.

catch someone's eye

To attract someone's attention, usually by making eye contact or waving.

Example

He tried to catch the waiter's eye to order another drink, but he was too busy with other customers.

wave down

To signal or stop someone or something by waving your hand or an object.

Example

She had to wave down the bus driver to get him to stop at her stop.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Flag up

raise a concern

To bring attention to a potential issue or problem.

Example

He decided to raise a concern about the safety of the new equipment during the meeting.

draw attention to

To make someone aware of something or to highlight a particular issue or topic.

Example

The poster was designed to draw attention to the importance of recycling and reducing waste.

bring to light

To reveal or expose something that was previously unknown or hidden.

Example

The investigation brought to light several instances of fraud and embezzlement within the company.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “flag”

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in flag down vs flag up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: flag down or flag up?

In daily conversation, people use flag down more often than flag up. This is because flag down is used for more practical purposes such as hailing a taxi or getting someone's attention. Flag up is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of flag down and flag up

Flag down and flag up are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. However, flag up can be used in more formal settings to convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of flag down and flag up

The tone of flag down and flag up can differ based on context. Flag down often carries a sense of urgency or need, especially when trying to get someone's attention quickly. On the other hand, flag up typically has a more cautious or concerned tone, especially when raising an issue or concern.

flag down & flag up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Flag down

Synonyms

Antonyms

Flag up

Synonyms

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