a tired complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tired complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complaint that has been repeated often and has lost its impact or significance. Example: "After hearing the same arguments for years, I realized it was just a tired complaint that no longer held any weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is a tired complaint.

The New York Times

By now, it's a tired complaint or concern, particularly among those of us of a certain era: technology is changing how we communicate and thus, the very essence of what it means to be a friend.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In his latest online blog, Mr Bennett wrote: "It's a tired old complaint lobbed at us in Belfast that we shouldn't be celebrating a tragedy.

BBC

It is my pleasure to inform reciters of this tired complaint that whoever told you that Valentine's Day is a compulsory celebration were lying to you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It needs freedom from the repetition of tired complaints and the issuing of dusty and ineffective prescriptions.

The Guardian - Books

There are some razzle-dazzle descriptions of various computer programs — including one that transports users to vividly realized virtual paradises — but there are also lots of tired complaints about "sewers of greed" and consumerism in millennial Manhattan.

The New York Times - Books

Have a tired sofa?

The New York Times

Such a tired cliche.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was a tired affair.

The New York Times

He wipes a tired eye.

The New York Times - Magazine

He gives a tired smile.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a tired complaint", ensure the context clearly indicates that the complaint has been voiced repeatedly and is no longer considered fresh or impactful. This can add a subtle layer of critique or dismissal to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a tired complaint" to describe a complaint that is simply old or has existed for a long time, but hasn't necessarily been repeated frequently. The key element is the repetition and resulting staleness, not just the age of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tired complaint" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tired" modifies the noun "complaint". It describes a specific quality of the complaint, indicating it is stale or overused. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tired complaint" is a phrase used to describe a grievance that has become stale due to overuse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not a highly frequent expression, it appears mainly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context clearly indicates that the complaint has been voiced repeatedly and has lost its impact. Alternatives such as "a stale grievance" or "a worn-out grievance" can offer similar connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stale grievance

Replaces 'tired' with 'stale', emphasizing the lack of freshness or originality of the complaint.

an overused lament

Substitutes 'complaint' with 'lament' and 'tired' with 'overused', highlighting the excessive repetition of the grievance.

a worn-out grievance

Replaces 'tired' with 'worn-out', focusing on the exhaustion and overuse of the complaint.

a hackneyed protest

Replaces both 'tired' and 'complaint', suggesting the protest has become trite and commonplace.

a clichéd criticism

Emphasizes the lack of originality by using 'clichéd' to describe the criticism.

a commonplace grievance

Highlights the common and unoriginal nature of the grievance.

a trite objection

Indicates that the objection has become dull and uninteresting through overuse.

an old refrain

Compares the complaint to a frequently repeated part of a song, suggesting monotony.

a predictable objection

Highlights the lack of surprise or novelty in the objection.

an unoriginal criticism

Directly states that the criticism lacks originality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tired complaint" to refer to an issue that has been brought up repeatedly and has lost its impact due to overuse. For example: "His argument about taxes was "a tired complaint" that everyone had heard before."

What is the difference between "a tired complaint" and "an old complaint"?

"A tired complaint" implies that the complaint has been voiced so frequently that it has become stale or ineffective, whereas "an old complaint" simply refers to the age of the complaint without necessarily implying that it is overused. The emphasis is on the repetition rather than just the age of the issue.

What are some alternatives to saying "a tired complaint"?

Alternatives include "a stale grievance", "a worn-out grievance", or "an overused lament". These phrases similarly convey the idea that the complaint has become stale due to overuse.

Is it correct to use "a tired complaint" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tired complaint" can be used in formal writing, particularly in journalistic or analytical contexts where you want to convey the idea that an argument or grievance has become stale or overused. However, be mindful of your audience and ensure the tone aligns with the overall style of your piece.