Complaint about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Complaint about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing dissatisfaction or concern regarding a specific issue or situation. Example: "I would like to file a complaint about the poor service I received during my last visit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Her complaint about immigrants.

The New York Times

No complaint about that".

The New York Times - Sports

My complaint about Apple after the jump.

The New York Times

Someone had posted a complaint about Mom.

The New York Times - Magazine

Johnson had no complaint about Cortez's call.

The New York Times - Sports

The final complaint about GM is ownership.

The Guardian

His biggest complaint about Mr. Levy?

The New York Times

It is a complaint about this judge".

The Guardian

Stone's complaint (about the players): Nobody comes to net anymore.

The New Yorker

George Bernard Shaw's letter of complaint about women's opera attire.

The New Yorker

But that's a minor complaint about a satisfying production.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complaint about", ensure you clearly specify the subject of the complaint to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I have a complaint about something", specify "I have a complaint about the service".

Common error

Avoid making overly general complaints. Instead of saying "There's a complaint about everything", specify the exact issues. Providing detailed and specific concerns will always lead to more effective resolutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complaint about" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, typically introducing the subject or object of the complaint. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complaint about" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey dissatisfaction or grievance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility spans from formal documentation in professional settings to everyday expressions in news, media, and personal communication. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key. Consider alternatives like "grievance regarding" or "issue concerning" to tailor the tone. Remember to avoid overly broad complaints and provide specific details for effective communication. By following these guidelines, you can effectively express your concerns and achieve the desired outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grievance regarding

Replaces "complaint" with a more formal synonym and "about" with a more precise preposition.

Issue concerning

Substitutes "complaint" with "issue", indicating a problem, and replaces "about" with "concerning".

Concern pertaining to

Replaces "complaint" with a softer term "concern" and utilizes "pertaining to" instead of "about" for a more formal tone.

Dissatisfaction with

Focuses on the feeling of being unhappy with something, rather than the act of complaining.

Objection to

Highlights opposition or disapproval.

Protest against

Emphasizes a stronger form of disagreement or disapproval, often public.

Criticism of

Focuses on pointing out faults or shortcomings.

Grumbling over

Implies a low-level, continuous expression of discontent.

Discontent regarding

Similar to dissatisfaction, but can imply a broader sense of unhappiness.

Problem with

A simpler and more direct alternative focusing on the existence of an issue.

FAQs

How can I use "complaint about" in a sentence?

You can use "complaint about" to express dissatisfaction with something specific. For example, "I have a "complaint about" the noise level" or "She filed a "complaint about" the service."

What are some alternatives to "complaint about"?

Alternatives include "grievance regarding", "issue concerning", or "concern pertaining to" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "complaint about" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to formally or informally express dissatisfaction or a problem with something. It can be used in emails, letters, or reports to highlight issues that need addressing.

Is there a difference between "complaint about" and "concern about"?

"Complaint about" generally indicates a stronger level of dissatisfaction and a desire for action or resolution. "Concern about" suggests worry or unease but may not necessarily imply a formal grievance. Choose based on the intensity of your feeling.