a cause for complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cause for complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reason or justification for expressing dissatisfaction or grievance about something. Example: "The delay in delivery was a cause for complaint among the customers who expected their orders on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There is comparatively little music for solo voices in this narrative work, a cause for complaint in Handel's time, but not particularly an issue now.

The New York Times - Arts

THE BBC, Britain's mammoth public-service broadcaster, has long been a cause for complaint among its competitors in television, radio and educational and magazine publishers.

The Economist

That might have been a cause for complaint among homeowners who missed out on soaring values in California and Florida in the first half of the decade, but these days they can only be grateful.

The New York Times

But if the subtlety and authority of Landfall are products of its author's decision to utilise her own biography, it is hard to see that decision as a cause for complaint.

The Guardian - Books

Variety alone is not a cause for complaint, but Bouley's execution is all over the place: a salad of gizzards and red-wine-poached egg is a musky pleasure, while the one with foie gras and Jerez dressing is overly citrusy and almost oxymoronically bland.

The New Yorker

In the run-up to its introduction on February 17th, the congestion charge has overtaken the war as a topic of conversation and a cause for complaint.From February 17th, drivers entering an eight-square-mile patch bounded by Park Lane, Euston Road, Commercial Street and Vauxhall will have to pay £5 ($8) between 7am and 6.30pm on weekdays.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I don't see any cause for complaint," he said, using a phrase that for a Yorkshireman of a certain generation is akin to a dance of joy.

The New York Times

Despite this lack of evidence concerning risk or prevalence, canine faeces continues to be a significant cause for complaint, requiring further explication in order to understand its relevance for public health.

Critical Public Health

Is this a cause for celebration or complaint?

The Economist

In contrast, relatively brief peak events in suspended particulate matter may be readily perceptible or represent a nuisance and cause for complaint for people residing in a given area, and may result in discomfort and mucous membrane and airway irritation.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The trial judge, Dominique Pauthe, announced today, after studying the protest overnight, that he was referring the question to the Cour de Cassation, France's highest appeal court, If the Cour de Cassation accepts that there is a prima facie cause for complaint, it will ask the Conseil Constitutionnel, the final arbiter of constitutional questions, for a ruling.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a cause for complaint", ensure that the reason for dissatisfaction is clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a cause for complaint" without specifying the actual reason for the grievance. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause for complaint" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that provides a reason or justification for expressing dissatisfaction. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from customer service issues to political matters. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cause for complaint" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to indicate a reason for expressing dissatisfaction or grievance. While not exceptionally common, the expression is used across various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When employing this phrase, ensure that the reason for complaint is clearly specified. Alternative phrases such as "reason for dissatisfaction" or "grounds for grievance" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justification for complaint

This refers to having a valid and defensible reason to complain.

reason for dissatisfaction

This alternative focuses on the feeling of being unhappy with something.

grounds for grievance

This suggests a more formal or legal basis for complaint.

basis for objection

Focuses on the underlying reason why someone might object.

reason to object

This highlights the act of expressing opposition or disapproval.

source of discontent

This emphasizes the origin or root of unhappiness.

matter for protest

This indicates something significant enough to warrant a formal objection.

impetus for grievance

This refers to the driving force behind a feeling of injustice.

room for objection

This alternative means there is scope or possibility to make an objection.

pretext for complaint

This suggests that the complaint might be insincere or masking another issue.

FAQs

How can I use "a cause for complaint" in a sentence?

You can use "a cause for complaint" to indicate something that provides a reason to express dissatisfaction. For example, "The poor service was "a cause for complaint" among the diners."

What is an alternative to saying "a cause for complaint"?

Alternatives include "reason for dissatisfaction", "grounds for grievance", or "justification for complaint".

Is it better to say "reason for complaint" or "a cause for complaint"?

Both "reason for complaint" and "a cause for complaint" are acceptable. "A cause for complaint" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the justification for the complaint.

What makes something "a cause for complaint"?

Something becomes "a cause for complaint" when it creates a legitimate reason for someone to be unhappy or dissatisfied, often due to a failure to meet expectations or standards.