a grievance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grievance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a complaint or a feeling of resentment about something perceived as wrong or unfair. Example: "She filed a grievance with the human resources department regarding her unfair treatment at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Engineers have a grievance.

The New Yorker

Everyone has a grievance.

The New York Times

I have a grievance.

University of California, Berkeley

Rodriguez could respond by filing a grievance.

The New York Times - Sports

Marbury has filed a grievance.

The New York Times - Sports

He is filing a grievance.

The New York Times - Sports

Every group has a grievance.

The New York Times

Marbury is filing a grievance.

The New York Times - Sports

A grievance was a grievance, no matter how small.

Columbia University

Bush added, "I'm not a grievance candidate.

The New Yorker

"What happens is these guys have a grievance, just like everybody has a grievance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grievance" to formally express a specific complaint or source of discontent. Ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the grievance.

Common error

Avoid using "a grievance" in casual conversation; opt for simpler terms like "complaint" or "issue" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grievance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows examples where it indicates a formal complaint or a source of discontent. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase refers to a complaint or a feeling of resentment about something perceived as wrong or unfair.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

7%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a grievance" is a common noun phrase used to express dissatisfaction or lodge a formal complaint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in formal writing. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Science contexts and often signals a desire for resolution or redress. While "a grievance" is suitable for neutral to formal settings, simpler terms may be preferred in casual conversation. Remember to use "a" before "grievance" and consider alternative expressions like "a complaint" or "an issue" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complaint

This alternative is a more direct and general term for expressing dissatisfaction.

a cause for complaint

This alternative explicitly states the reason for dissatisfaction.

a source of discontent

This alternative highlights the origin of unhappiness or dissatisfaction.

a problem

This alternative refers to a situation causing difficulty or concern.

an issue

This alternative refers to a point or matter of discussion or concern.

a matter of contention

This alternative emphasizes the disputed nature of the issue.

an injustice

This alternative indicates a perceived lack of fairness or justice.

a wrong

This alternative refers to an act or decision that is morally or legally incorrect or unfair.

a bone to pick

This alternative is an idiom that suggests a reason to argue or disagree.

an axe to grind

This alternative is an idiom suggesting a hidden motive or personal agenda related to a grievance.

FAQs

How to use "a grievance" in a sentence?

You can use "a grievance" to express a complaint or feeling of resentment. For example, "He filed "a grievance" with the company about his unpaid overtime."

What can I say instead of "a grievance"?

You can use alternatives like "a complaint", "an issue", or "a problem" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a grievance" or "an grievance"?

"A grievance" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds. "Grievance" starts with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a grievance" and "a complaint"?

While both express dissatisfaction, ""a grievance"" often implies a more formal or serious issue, whereas ""a complaint"" can be more general and informal.