bemoan

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "bemoan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing sorrow or lamentation about something, often in a somewhat exaggerated or dramatic manner. Example: "She began to bemoan the loss of her favorite childhood toy, reminiscing about the joy it once brought her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alistair Darling might bemoan the loss of the "one to one".

The Guardian

A Financial Times editorial, in noting that "this election is without precedent" appears to bemoan the breakdown of "Britain's longstanding Conservative-Labour duopoly".

The Guardian

Op-eds in online publications and my media-driven Twitter feed often bemoan what could have been.

The Guardian

Investors also bemoan the hefty cost of litigating jurisdictional issues.

The Economist

Coaches bemoan the "skills gap" with continental or Latin American youngsters.France overhauled its youth system by building the famous Clairefontaine academy in the 1980s, and went on win the World Cup and European Championships consecutively, after years of failure.

The Economist

Again, the message will press all the right buttons with businessmen, who bemoan a shortage of engineers and other skilled workers, as well as low levels of intermediate skills in the workforce more generally.

The Economist

They bemoan the way that Labour ministers turned "too late" to activist industrial policies in the years before the 2010 election.Mr Miliband, says a close adviser, has a "20-year project" to shift Britain's centre of gravity in a distinctly "continental" direction.

The Economist

Greek and Turkish Cypriots bemoan the "ethnic cleansing" that both their communities have suffered.

The Economist

Some Ukrainian politicians bemoan the fact that, in 1994, the country gave up the nuclear weapons it had inherited from the Soviet Union.

The Economist

"First finding from Omid: earth is round!" read the lighthearted gibe at what many Iranians stubbornly bemoan as the provincial backwardness of their rulers.

The Economist

Like his mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chávez, Mr Maduro believes the primary role of the labour movement is to help the regime crush capitalism and install "21st-century socialism .Employers predictably bemoan the rigidity of the labour market, saying that it cripples business and leaves Venezuela trailing in terms of productivity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bemoan" to express sorrow or regret, especially when emphasizing the act of complaining or lamenting about something specific. It's suitable for situations where you want to convey a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "bemoan" in very casual or informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler terms like "complain" or "regret" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bemoan" is as a transitive verb. This means it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The word expresses the action of lamenting or complaining about something, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bemoan" is a transitive verb used to express sorrow, regret, or complaint about something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "complain" or "regret". As the numerous examples illustrate, "bemoan" effectively conveys a sense of disappointment or lamentation, contributing to a richer expression of sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lament

Similar in expressing sorrow or regret, but often carries a more formal or literary tone.

lament the loss of

Specifically focuses on expressing sorrow over something that is gone or unattainable.

deplore

Implies strong disapproval and regret, often used in formal or official contexts.

deplore the state of

Emphasizes disapproval of a particular situation or condition.

bewail

Suggests loud and prolonged expression of grief or sorrow.

rue

A more archaic term for regretting something, often implying a sense of bitterness or remorse.

mourn

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow and loss, often associated with death or significant endings.

express sorrow over

A more direct and explicit way of conveying feelings of sadness or regret.

regret

A more general term for feeling sorrow or disappointment over something that has happened.

complain about

Expresses dissatisfaction or annoyance, often about minor or everyday issues.

FAQs

How can I use "bemoan" in a sentence?

"Bemoan" is typically used to express regret or complaint about something. For example, "She began to "lament" the loss of her favorite childhood toy." You can also use it like, "They "complain about" the lack of resources."

What can I say instead of "bemoan"?

You can use alternatives like ""lament"", "deplore", or "regret" depending on the context. "Bewail" is also similar.

What's the difference between "bemoan" and "complain"?

"Bemoan" often implies a deeper sense of sorrow or regret, while "complain" usually refers to expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something, often minor.

Is "bemoan" formal or informal?

"Bemoan" is generally considered more formal than words like "complain" or "moan". It is often used in writing or in more serious discussions.