a common complaint among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common complaint among" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a frequently expressed dissatisfaction or issue shared by a group of people. Example: "A common complaint among employees is the lack of communication from management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A common complaint among passengers was confusion.

The New York Times

Lower back pain A common complaint among cyclists.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Another had been abused by her husband, a common complaint among women here.

The New York Times

Failure to take account of differential experiences is a common complaint among students.

The Guardian

A common complaint among the Peshmerga is that they don't have enough ammunition.

The New Yorker

Mr. Mohaqiq voiced a common complaint among veterans of the long struggle against the Soviets.

The New York Times

Saturday's hot and humid weather also was a common complaint among participants.

The New York Times - Sports

This sort of placement, Bloomberg says, is inhibiting its growth — a common complaint among channel owners.

The New York Times

She said this would address a common complaint among retailers: that wholesalers undercut their business by selling to the public.

The New York Times

A common complaint among Internet radio listeners is sound quality, particularly among those who don't have a broadband Internet connection.

The New York Times - Tech

TOKYO — A common complaint among Europeans in Tokyo used to be how hard it was to find a decent baguette.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common complaint among", ensure the subject group is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a common complaint among students" rather than just "a common complaint."

Common error

Avoid using "a common complaint among" when the issue is only relevant to a small or specific subset of the group you're describing. Ensure the complaint is genuinely widespread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common complaint among" functions as a noun phrase modifier, introducing a shared grievance or dissatisfaction within a defined group. Ludwig AI shows that is commonly used to introduce a problem or issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common complaint among" is a versatile and frequently used expression to introduce a shared dissatisfaction or problem within a specific group. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the target group is clearly defined and that the complaint is genuinely widespread to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "a widespread concern among" or "a frequent grievance among" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis of the statement. Overall, using "a common complaint among" is an effective way to highlight a prevalent issue and prompt further discussion or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread concern among

Focuses on worry or anxiety shared by many, rather than just dissatisfaction.

a frequent grievance among

Emphasizes a cause for protest or resentment that is often repeated.

a prevailing issue for

Highlights an ongoing problem affecting a particular group.

a recurrent problem with

Points out a difficulty that keeps happening within a specific context.

a typical source of dissatisfaction for

Identifies a common reason why people are not pleased.

a usual cause of discontent among

Indicates a normal reason for unhappiness within a group.

a noted area of concern with

Draws attention to a specific worry that is often observed.

a repeated expression of dissatisfaction by

Focuses on the act of voicing unhappiness multiple times.

a general sentiment of unease within

Highlights a widespread feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

a consistent source of frustration for

Identifies a reliable reason for feeling annoyed or irritated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common complaint among" to introduce a problem or issue frequently mentioned within a specific group. For example, "A common complaint among travelers is delayed flights".

What is a good substitute for "a common complaint among"?

Alternatives include "a widespread concern among", "a frequent grievance among", or "a prevailing issue for", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the common complaint among" instead of "a common complaint among"?

Using "the common complaint among" implies there is only one complaint, which is less flexible. "A common complaint among" suggests one of several possible frequent issues.

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

"A common complaint among" typically refers to something people are unhappy about and actively voice. "A common concern among" suggests a worry or anxiety that may not be explicitly expressed as a complaint.