What are the definitions of “flag down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Signal at a vehicle to get it to stop.
The police officer FLAGGED the car DOWN because it didn't have its headlights on.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “flag down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb flag down is to signal or wave at a vehicle, such as a taxi or bus, to get it to stop. This is often done by raising your hand or using a flag or other object to catch the driver's attention.
What are the different verb forms of “flag down”?
| Root Verb | flag down |
| Third Person Singular Present | flags down |
| Present Participle | flagging down |
| Simple Past | flagged down |
| Past Participle | flagged 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.
Example
He is flagging down a cab to take him to the hotel.
Example
Yesterday, they flagged down a passing car to ask for directions.
Example
The stranded hiker had flagged down a rescue helicopter.
What kind of phrasal verb is “flag down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“flag down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She flagged down a taxi to take her home.
Example
He flagged the bus down to get to the city center.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“flag down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She flagged down a taxi to take her home.
Example
He flagged the bus down to get to the city center.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “flag down”?
Good things to know
Does “flag down” have an informal or formal tone?
Flag down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in news reports or official documents, depending on the context.
