a small complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a minor issue or concern about something, often in a polite or non-confrontational manner. Example: "I have a small complaint regarding the service I received during my last visit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But that's a small complaint.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is a small complaint.

The Guardian - Books

That is a small complaint when there were so many things to delight.

The New York Times

It didn't take Rick and Anna long to go from a small complaint about putting away "stuff" to a discussion about the survival of their relationship.

University of California, Berkeley

But, and this is a small complaint, her writing is almost too beautiful to give us fully the ugliness of these feelings.

Independent

Zinedine Zidane said afterwards that Bale had a "small complaint" but Madrid's coach described the player as "fine" and suggested leaving him out was a precautionary measure.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But this is a fairly small complaint against a very good and original book.

The Economist

That, though, is a relatively small complaint about what is on the whole an excellent book.

The Washington Post

A final small complaint.

The New Yorker

That's one small complaint for an otherwise outstanding pedal.

TechCrunch

(This is picky. A villainy to make even one small complaint).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small complaint" to introduce a minor issue without sounding overly negative or critical. This can help maintain a polite and constructive tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a small complaint" when the issue is actually significant. This can undermine your credibility and make the problem seem less important than it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small complaint" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its usability, highlighting its role in introducing minor concerns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small complaint" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to introduce a minor issue or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun phrase and is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to avoid using it when the issue is actually significant. Alternatives such as "a minor issue" or "a slight concern" may be preferred depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor grievance

Replaces 'complaint' with 'grievance', suggesting a slightly more formal or official context.

a slight issue

Substitutes 'complaint' with 'issue', softening the negative connotation.

a trivial objection

Emphasizes the unimportance of the complaint by using 'trivial'.

a petty concern

Highlights the insignificance of the complaint through the adjective 'petty'.

a minor criticism

Replaces 'complaint' with 'criticism', indicating a judgment or assessment.

a negligible concern

Focuses on the lack of importance of the concern.

a small matter of concern

Adds a bit more formality and emphasis on the 'matter'.

a light reservation

Uses 'reservation' instead of 'complaint', making it more subtle.

a slight dissatisfaction

Replaces 'complaint' with a more descriptive phrase about the feeling.

a minor point of contention

Indicates a difference of opinion or argument, minimizing its impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small complaint" to introduce a minor issue or concern. For example: "I have "a small complaint" about the noise level in the library".

What are some alternatives to "a small complaint"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a minor issue", "a slight concern", or "a trivial objection" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a small complaint" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small complaint" can be used in formal writing to politely address minor issues. However, consider using alternatives like "a minor grievance" or "a light reservation" for a slightly more formal tone.

When should I avoid using "a small complaint"?

Avoid using ""a small complaint"" if the issue is genuinely significant or has serious consequences. In such cases, a more direct and assertive expression is necessary.