a common complaint of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common complaint of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing frequently expressed grievances or issues related to a particular subject or group. Example: "A common complaint of employees is the lack of communication from management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

That was a common complaint of the winemakers Paul interviewed.

The New York Times

(That's a common complaint of the non-Orthodox).

The New York Times

Easy access to land is a common complaint of manufacturing chieftains.

The New York Times

It's a common complaint, of course, but one couldn't help but sympathise with the centre-back's plight.

The Guardian - Sport

But a common complaint of patients is that they do not have time to do that regularly.

The New York Times - Tech

Compared with the usual activity group, the yoga group had improvements in insomnia symptoms, a common complaint of menopause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

One of her children had acquired asthma since they arrived in their current hostel it's a common complaint borne of the often damp, cramped and unsuitable temporary accommodation, along with stress and other mental health risks.

Vice

A common complaint was lack of promotion on use of the bag in Bambasi compared with Adamazin.

Conflict and Health

A COMMON complaint among workers, of varying ages and industries, is the problem of having to "network"; making contacts in the hope of finding more and better work.

The Economist

In asserting that the Council would "silence" the police, Mr. Catsimatidis is echoing a common complaint from critics of the bill, who charge that with the threat of litigation, officers would feel less comfortable describing suspects.

The New York Times

The white-bread conservatism of the aging population runs deep: it's a common complaint that influxes of new immigrants steal jobs away from born-and-raised Maritimers.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a common complaint of", ensure that the subject of the complaint is clearly identified to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a common complaint of" without specifying who is making the complaint; otherwise, the statement lacks context and can be confusing. For example, instead of saying, "A common complaint of the project was delays", specify, "A common complaint of stakeholders was project delays."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common complaint of" functions as an attributive phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that it is a frequent or widespread grievance held by a specific group. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and effectively highlights shared concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common complaint of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce frequently voiced grievances or concerns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific publications, the phrase serves to emphasize the widespread nature of an issue among a specific group. When using "a common complaint of", clarity is key; always specify who is voicing the complaint to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a frequent grievance among" or "a widespread concern regarding" can add nuance, but the original phrase remains a direct and effective way to highlight shared dissatisfaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequent grievance among

Replaces 'complaint' with 'grievance' and uses 'among' to specify a group experiencing the issue.

a widespread concern regarding

Substitutes 'complaint' with 'concern' and frames it as a broader worry.

a recurring issue for

Focuses on the problem being a 'recurring issue' rather than a complaint.

a common source of dissatisfaction among

Emphasizes the feeling of dissatisfaction as the core problem.

a frequently expressed concern by

Highlights the expression of the concern, making it more active.

a typical problem encountered by

Shifts focus to the problem being 'typical' rather than just 'common'.

a prevailing sentiment of discontent among

Uses 'sentiment of discontent' to convey the feeling of unhappiness.

a usual cause for concern among

Indicates that the issue typically leads to concern.

a general sentiment against

Highlights a general negative feeling towards something.

a well-known objection to

Frames the issue as a known objection or disapproval.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common complaint of" to introduce a problem or concern that is frequently expressed by a particular group. For instance, "A common complaint of students is the high cost of textbooks."

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

Alternatives include "a frequent grievance among", "a widespread concern regarding", or "a recurring issue for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a common complaint of" or "common complaints from"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a common complaint of" is typically used to introduce a singular, general issue, while "common complaints from" is used to list multiple complaints from a group. For example, "A common complaint of users is the website's slow loading time" versus "Common complaints from residents include noise and traffic."

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

The terms "common" and "frequent" are largely synonymous in this context, so the phrases "a common complaint of" and "a frequent complaint of" are interchangeable. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.