are complaining that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are complaining that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to someone expressing dissatisfaction about something. For example, "Many students are complaining that the exam was too hard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some French bondholders are complaining that they are owed more.

The New York Times

Now the tabloids are complaining that I'm not drinking enough!

The Guardian - Music

Democrats on Capitol Hill are complaining that the delay has put Americans in jeopardy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some are complaining that their DVRs can't keep up with the offerings.

The New York Times

More and more politicians are complaining that the EU is pursuing policies that cause economic insecurity.

The Economist

"A lot of people are complaining that I'm being too serious," he said.

The New Yorker

Insurers are complaining that compiling and disseminating the benefits information will drive up their costs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

My teachers were complaining that I was not speaking enough.

The New Yorker

"He was complaining that the decision was rigged," Sugar said.

The New York Times - Sports

American officials themselves have been complaining that they cannot cope.

The Economist

"People here were complaining that Mourinho's rubbish.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to prevent overuse of "are complaining that". Alternatives like "expressing concerns", "raising objections", or "voicing dissatisfaction" can add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are complaining that" without a specific subject. Vague subjects like "they" or "people" can make the sentence unclear. Always specify who is complaining to ensure the sentence is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are complaining that" functions as a reporting verb phrase, introducing a clause that expresses the subject's dissatisfaction or grievance. Ludwig confirms that this phrase accurately reflects the sentiment of discontent. It is commonly used to convey negative feedback or objections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are complaining that" is a frequently used phrase to express discontent or dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent use in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "are complaining that" is accurate, you can make your text more engaging by using synonyms such as "are voicing concerns that" or "are raising objections to". Be mindful to clearly define the subject who is complaining and choose words to precisely reflect the sentiment. By doing this, you ensure clarity and enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are expressing dissatisfaction that

Replaces "complaining" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the expression of unhappiness.

are voicing concerns that

Substitutes "complaining" with "voicing concerns", highlighting the act of expressing worries.

are raising objections to the fact that

Replaces "complaining" with "raising objections", emphasizing formal opposition.

are expressing grievances about

Replaces "complaining" with "expressing grievances", highlighting the formal complaints.

are unhappy with the idea that

Replaces "complaining" with a direct statement of unhappiness.

are protesting that

Substitutes "complaining" with "protesting", suggesting a more active form of disapproval.

are disapproving of the fact that

Replaces "complaining" with "disapproving", focusing on the act of not approving.

are finding fault with

Replaces "complaining" with "finding fault", indicating the act of discovering and pointing out errors.

are grumbling about

Uses "grumbling" as a more informal synonym for "complaining", suggesting low-level dissatisfaction.

are lamenting that

Substitutes "complaining" with "lamenting", conveying a sense of sorrowful complaining.

FAQs

What does "are complaining that" mean?

The phrase "are complaining that" indicates that a person or group is expressing their dissatisfaction or discontent about a particular situation or issue. It implies that they are voicing their concerns or objections.

How can I use "are complaining that" in a sentence?

You can use "are complaining that" to report someone's dissatisfaction. For example, "Customers "are complaining that" the service is slow", or "Employees "are complaining that" the workload is too heavy."

What are some alternatives to "are complaining that"?

Alternatives to "are complaining that" include phrases like "are voicing concerns that", "are raising objections to", or "are expressing dissatisfaction with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "are complaining that" or "are reporting that" when describing negative feedback?

While "are reporting that" simply conveys information, "are complaining that" specifically highlights dissatisfaction or discontent. Use "are complaining that" when the primary purpose is to emphasize the negative sentiment, otherwise prefer the neutral "are reporting that".