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Half-mast vs. Half-staff

Updated Jan 19, 2023

What are the differences between half-mast and half-staff?

Half-mast and half-staff are terms used to refer to the position of a flag when it is flown at a lower than usual position. Half-mast is usually used to indicate a period of mourning, while half-staff is usually used to indicate a period of respect or sorrow.

For example, the US flag is traditionally flown at half-mast on Memorial Day to honor those who have served in the armed forces. Similarly, the US flag is flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a current or former president, vice president, or other prominent public figure.

Sentences:

The flag at our town hall was flown at half-mast to honor the victims of the recent tragedy.

The US flag was flown at half-staff in memory of former President George H.W. Bush.

Why do people commonly confuse half-mast and half-staff?

People commonly confuse half-mast and half-staff because they are similar in terms of their meaning, both representing a sign of mourning or respect. The two terms are used to describe the same action, which is to lower a flag to half the normal height. The only difference between the two is that half-mast is used to describe the lowering of a flag on a pole, while half-staff is used to describe the lowering of a flag on a staff.

What are some ways to make sure you don't confuse half-mast and half-staff?

  1. Familiarize yourself with the flags of your country and the differences between a half-mast and a half-staff position.

  2. Look up the definitions of each and make a note of the difference between the two.

  3. Pay attention to context clues when reading or writing sentences.

  4. Ask someone else to double-check your work if you are unsure of the correct usage.

  5. rewrite the sentence to make the distinction clearer.

  6. Use alternative phrases such as “raised to half height” for half-mast and “lowered to half height” for half-staff.

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