complain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express dissatisfaction, or to express an objection to something. Example sentence: "I complained to the landlord about the noise coming from the upstairs apartment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the days that I followed Jones around, I heard several people who ran training programs in green professions complain that once their students had graduated they couldn't find work.

The Economist

It is traditional to complain that comedy is overlooked in awards ceremonies — and I have done my own share of whingeing on this account — so it's great to see properly funny films rewarded in this way.

The Guardian - Film

· Secondary education was reduced in Turkmenistan by one year, prompting human rights groups to complain of a deliberate attempt to dumb down the population to prevent dissent.

The Guardian

Cameron, and others less combatively, complain that Juncker is being imposed by a parliamentary coup, usurping the prerogative of national leaders to agree on the nomination.

The Guardian

Or might friends at parties who complain to me be interested in supporting the campaign for a better-funded NHS? Are you a member of our online community?

The Guardian

US technology companies routinely complain about the difficulty of obtaining visas for foreign software engineers.

The Guardian - Tech

They suggested that because revenue was actually growing in nominal terms the ALP had nothing to complain about.

The Guardian - Business

My daughter didn't grow up in the way that I did so she sometimes feels that she doesn't have a right to complain.

The Guardian

So do others who complain of intolerance displayed by the victors of 2011 and 2015.

The Guardian

We have awakened, and not just to complain!

The Guardian - Opinion

Those that had complaints saw us as legitimate targets to complain to.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when deciding whether to "complain" directly or use a more diplomatic term like "raise concerns".

Common error

Avoid using "complain" excessively in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "report", "indicate", or "state" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complain" is as a verb. It is used to describe the action of expressing dissatisfaction or making a formal accusation, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "complain" is a verb used to express dissatisfaction, pain, or make a formal accusation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and very common usage, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and audience. Alternatives like "raise concerns" or "voice objections" may be more appropriate in formal settings. Being specific and avoiding overuse ensures effective communication and maintains a balanced tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

object to

Directly expresses opposition or disapproval of something.

express dissatisfaction

More formal and general; focuses on conveying unhappiness without necessarily lodging a formal complaint.

voice objections

Highlights the act of speaking out against something, often in a public or formal setting.

lodge a grievance

Implies a more formal and official process of reporting a problem.

raise concerns

Softer and more diplomatic way to express worry or unease about something.

grumble about

Suggests a low-level, continuous expression of dissatisfaction, often informally.

find fault with

Focuses on identifying and pointing out flaws or imperfections.

protest against

More forceful and active expression of disapproval, often involving public demonstration.

whine about

Implies a childish or annoying manner of complaining.

kick up a fuss

Informal and suggests creating a disturbance or commotion to express dissatisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "complain" in a sentence?

You can use "complain" to express dissatisfaction or make a formal accusation. For example, "I'm going to complain about the poor service" or "The residents complained about the noise."

What are some alternatives to "complain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "express dissatisfaction", "lodge a grievance", or "voice objections".

Is it better to "complain" or "raise concerns"?

"Complain" implies a stronger expression of dissatisfaction, while "raise concerns" is a more diplomatic way to express worry or unease. The choice depends on the situation and your desired tone.

When is it appropriate to formally "complain"?

It's appropriate to formally "complain" when you want to officially report a problem or seek resolution, especially in situations involving services, products, or legal matters.