a common complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a frequently expressed dissatisfaction or issue among a group of people. Example: "One of the most common complaints among customers is the long wait times for service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was a common complaint.

The New York Times

It's a common complaint.

The Washington Post

This is a common complaint in China.

The New York Times

A common complaint among passengers was confusion.

The New York Times

It is a common complaint.

The Guardian

Hers is a common complaint.

The Guardian - Money

That is a common complaint.

The New York Times

It is a common complaint here.

The New York Times

Equipment breakdowns are a common complaint here.

The New York Times

He begins with a common complaint.

The Guardian - Books

Naasal obstruction is a common complaint in the population.

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common complaint", ensure you provide context to specify who is experiencing the complaint and what the subject of the complaint is for clarity. For example, instead of just saying "That's a common complaint", specify, "Among cyclists, lower back pain is a common complaint."

Common error

Avoid stating something is "a common complaint" without having sufficient evidence or examples to support the claim. Overgeneralizations can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common complaint" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a recurring issue or dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common complaint" is a versatile noun phrase used to highlight widespread dissatisfaction or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific context to enhance clarity. Alternatives include "a frequent concern" or "a typical issue", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Always avoid overgeneralizing without adequate evidence to support your claim about "a common complaint".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread grievance

Replaces "complaint" with "grievance", suggesting a more formal and deeply felt sense of injustice shared by many.

a frequent concern

Substitutes "complaint" with "concern", softening the negative connotation and emphasizing worry rather than dissatisfaction.

a typical issue

Uses "issue" instead of "complaint", presenting the matter as a problem that regularly occurs.

a recurring problem

Replaces "common" with "recurring" and "complaint" with "problem", highlighting the repeated nature of the issue.

a general dissatisfaction

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on overall discontent, which is the root of the complaint.

a prevalent concern

Replaces 'common' with 'prevalent', emphasizing how widespread the concern is within a specific population.

a shared concern

Emphasizes the aspect of shared worry among people.

a usual criticism

Uses "criticism" instead of "complaint", highlighting the fault-finding nature of the expression.

a consistent objection

Replaces "complaint" with "objection", stressing the act of protesting or disagreeing.

a familiar refrain

Completely changes the wording, using a more literary expression to indicate something that is often repeated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common complaint" to introduce a problem or issue that is frequently voiced by a group of people. For example, "Customer service wait times are a common complaint among consumers."

What are some alternatives to saying "a common complaint"?

You can use alternatives like "a frequent concern", "a typical issue", or "a recurring problem" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a common complaint" or "a frequent complaint"?

Both "a common complaint" and "a frequent complaint" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific context. However, "a common complaint" may suggest a wider consensus.

What's the difference between "a common complaint" and "a criticism"?

"A common complaint" generally refers to an expression of dissatisfaction, while "a criticism" is a more direct expression of disapproval or fault-finding. A complaint focuses on the negative impact, while a criticism focuses on identifying flaws.