a complaint against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complaint against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a formal expression of dissatisfaction or grievance directed towards a person, organization, or entity. Example: "She filed a complaint against the company for unfair treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Reference

Encyclopedias

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It drops a complaint against Blatter.

Independent

General Kennedy filed a complaint against Maj.

The New York Times

That night she filed a complaint against the authorities.

The New York Times

Thus far, BP has not filed a complaint against BPGlobalPR.

The New York Times

Several Canadian groups quickly filed a complaint against the company.

The Guardian

Ms. Wilkins disputes the charges, which are pending, and has filed a complaint against the police.

The New York Times

Might it even open up the possibility for a complaint against the EU constitution?

The Economist

"Although we do have a complaint against him, for his revenge was not enough".

The New Yorker

The department upheld a complaint against an officer in just one of those cases, it said.

The New York Times

McCrimmon was acquitted and Lougee filed a complaint against Peasley with the state bar.

The New Yorker

It has lodged a complaint against the UN's spokesman, Gordon Weiss.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a complaint against", ensure the context clearly identifies who is lodging the complaint and who or what the complaint is directed towards. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a complaint against" when referring to general dissatisfaction without a specific target. For example, instead of saying "I have a complaint against the world", specify the subject of your complaint (e.g. "I have a complaint about the lack of affordable housing").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complaint against" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically indicates a formal expression of grievance or dissatisfaction directed toward a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complaint against" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express dissatisfaction or grievance towards a specific target. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and applicable in diverse contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. While alternatives exist, such as "an accusation towards" or "a grievance concerning", the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using "a complaint against", clarity is paramount, ensuring the subject and target of the complaint are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. Overall, it’s a straightforward and effective way to convey formal expressions of dissatisfaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indictment for

Uses "indictment" instead of "complaint" and "for" instead of "against", indicating a formal legal accusation.

an accusation towards

Replaces "complaint" with "accusation", highlighting the accusatory nature of the statement.

a charge leveled at

Uses "charge" instead of "complaint" and "leveled at" instead of "against", implying a formal accusation.

a charge of misconduct towards

Replaces "complaint" with a more specific "charge of misconduct" and uses "towards" instead of "against".

a grievance concerning

Substitutes "complaint" with "grievance" and "against" with "concerning", softening the accusatory tone.

an allegation regarding

Replaces "complaint" with "allegation" and "against" with "regarding", suggesting an unproven claim.

a claim filed regarding

Uses "claim filed" instead of "complaint" and "regarding" instead of "against", often used in legal contexts.

a protest concerning

Substitutes "complaint" with "protest" and "against" with "concerning", emphasizing the act of objection.

an objection to

Replaces "complaint" with "objection" and "against" with "to", indicating disagreement or disapproval.

a denunciation of

Substitutes "complaint" with "denunciation" and "against" with "of", suggesting a strong condemnation.

FAQs

How do I use "a complaint against" in a sentence?

Use "a complaint against" to indicate a formal expression of dissatisfaction or grievance. For example, "She filed "a complaint against" her employer for discrimination".

What can I say instead of "a complaint against"?

You can use alternatives like "an accusation towards", "a grievance concerning", or "an objection to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a complaint against" or "a complaint for"?

"A complaint against" is generally used to indicate the target of the complaint (e.g. "a complaint against the company"). "A complaint for" might be used to specify the reason, but it's less common and often replaced by "a complaint about" (e.g. "a complaint about poor service").

What's the difference between "a complaint against" and "a lawsuit against"?

"A complaint against" is a more general term that can refer to any expression of dissatisfaction. "A lawsuit against" refers specifically to a legal action filed in court.