complain from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complain from" is not grammatically correct and should not be used in written English.
Instead, the correct preposition to use with "complain" is "about" or "over." For example, "He complained about the noise outside his apartment" or "She complained over the quality of the food at the restaurant." To illustrate this, an incorrect example using "complain from" could be: "I constantly complain from my noisy neighbors." This sentence should be rewritten as: "I constantly complain about my noisy neighbors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"She basically did nothing but complain from the time she arrived in the U.S".

The New Yorker

But you can't complain from the back seat the whole drive there".

The New Yorker

"A lot of people in security like to complain from the sidelines," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Clegg, in the debate last Thursday, said this of Britain and Europe: "I want us to lead in Europe, not complain from the sidelines.

The New York Times

Kim Reicherter-Specht, an agent with The Travel Business, an affiliate of the corporate travel management company Tzell Travel, said frequent fliers accustomed to upgrades sometimes called her to complain from the purgatory that is coach.

The New York Times

Of course he has to complain from time to time to convince his bosses that he is on the case – and he may sometimes be justified (though this particular case does not seem the right one to have fought).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"They butchered me back there," witnesses said Mr. Demps complained from the gurney.

The New York Times

Town officials said it has probably prompted the most complains from residents.

The New York Times

And, so far, no one has complained from a religious point of view, he said.

The New York Times

"But complaining from the sidelines will only take you so far".

The Guardian - Tech

"People who used the centre on a daily basis were complaining from day one," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct preposition "about" or "over" after the verb "complain". For example, "complain about the service" or "complain over the price".

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions like "from", "at", or "to" after "complain". The standard and grammatically correct preposition to use is "about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complain from" functions incorrectly as a verb phrase followed by a preposition. Ludwig AI identifies this construction as grammatically unsound, recommending the use of "complain about" instead. Example sentences illustrate instances where this error occurs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while examples of the phrase "complain from" exist, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is to use "complain about" or "complain over" to express dissatisfaction. This analysis shows that "complain from" appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Science, but its uncommon and grammatically unsound nature warrants avoiding it in favor of more standard phrasing. Always prioritize clarity and correctness in your writing by using the appropriate prepositions with "complain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complain about

Uses the correct preposition, "about", to indicate the subject of the complaint.

express dissatisfaction with

Offers a more formal way to convey displeasure regarding a specific matter.

voice concerns regarding

Implies a more thoughtful and reasoned expression of unease.

object to

Simple way of showing disagreement.

raise objections to

Suggests a formal disagreement or opposition to something.

lodge a complaint against

Describes a formal process of reporting an issue.

grumble about

Indicates a low-level, often ongoing expression of annoyance.

protest against

Highlights a stronger form of disapproval, often involving public action.

criticize

Provides a general term for expressing disapproval or finding fault.

find fault with

Similar to "criticize", but perhaps more direct.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the word "complain"?

The verb "complain" is typically followed by the preposition "about" or "over". For example, you can "complain about" the weather or "complain over" a perceived injustice.

Is it grammatically correct to say "complain from"?

No, the phrase "complain from" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct preposition to use with "complain" is usually "about". You should say "complain about" instead.

What can I say instead of "complain from"?

Since "complain from" is incorrect, you can use alternatives like ""complain about"", "express dissatisfaction with", or "voice concerns regarding" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "complain about" and "complain from"?

"Complain from" is not a standard English phrase and is considered grammatically incorrect. "Complain about" is the correct way to express that you are expressing dissatisfaction or grievance regarding something.