complain about

USAGE SUMMARY

"complain about" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to discuss someone's dissatisfaction with something, or to describe someone who is voicing their discontent. For example, "My colleagues were all complaining about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They complain about him.

Independent

"He doesn't complain about anything.

The New York Times

I can't complain about it.

The New York Times

Consumers complain about price increases.

The Economist

"Even guys complain about it".

The New York Times

You always complain about it.

The New York Times

Or complain about your life.

The New Yorker

Can't complain about that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Don't complain about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They complain about growth, and they complain about fiscal policy.

The New York Times

Humans may complain about climate change.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complain about", ensure that the subject of the complaint is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "People complain about it", specify "People complain about the new policy."

Common error

While "complain about" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less professional. Consider alternatives like "express concerns regarding" or "raise objections to" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complain about" functions as a verb phrase, where "complain" is the main verb and "about" is a preposition that introduces the object of the complaint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express dissatisfaction or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complain about" is a versatile and widely used verb phrase that effectively conveys dissatisfaction or disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's acceptable for general use, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic settings. Remember to clearly define the subject of the complaint for clarity. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing and explore alternatives like "express concerns regarding" or "raise objections to" to maintain a polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express dissatisfaction with

This alternative is a more formal way to indicate discontent.

voice grievances regarding

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of formally stating complaints.

grumble about

This alternative suggests a low-level, continuous form of complaining.

protest against

This alternative implies a stronger, more active form of expressing disapproval.

object to

This alternative suggests a formal disagreement or opposition.

raise objections concerning

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of bringing up concerns.

find fault with

This alternative focuses on the act of discovering negative aspects.

lament

This alternative is a more formal and sorrowful expression of complaint or regret.

criticize

This alternative suggests a more analytical and potentially constructive form of disapproval.

bemoan

This alternative emphasizes expressing sorrow or regret, often in a prolonged way.

FAQs

How can I use "complain about" in a sentence?

You can use "complain about" to express dissatisfaction with something. For example, "Customers "complain about their cable bills"", or "People "complain about doing the laundry"".

What are some alternatives to "complain about"?

Alternatives to "complain about" include "express dissatisfaction with", "voice grievances regarding", or "grumble about", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "complain about"?

Yes, "complain about" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English. It follows standard grammatical rules and is considered acceptable by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "complain about" and "criticize"?

"Complain about" generally refers to expressing dissatisfaction, while "criticize" implies a more analytical and potentially constructive form of disapproval. You might "complain about" the weather, but you might "criticize" a movie's plot.