complain of headache

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complain of headache" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone expressing discomfort or pain related to their head. Example: "During the consultation, the patient began to complain of headache, indicating it had been persistent for several days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The poisoned person becomes tired and may complain of headache and dizziness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Migraine equivalents are clinical conditions which often involve children who do not complain of headache.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Patients 4, 13 and 16 had 'cough headache' but did not complain of headache with coughing.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

For example, migraine patients complain of headache attacks with increased sensitivity to e.g. light or sound.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Because the patient did not complain of headache, we did not consider the presence of an intracranial problem.

JA Clinical Reports

On the ninth postoperative day, she began to complain of headache and computed tomography (CT) was performed.

JA Clinical Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Parents complain of headaches.

The New York Times

Residents complain of headaches, coughing and intensified asthma symptoms in children.

The New York Times

Prisoners often complain of headaches that may be related to this reckless policy.

The Guardian

"Pupils may appear pale, fatigued, irritable or lacking in concentration, or complain of headaches or feeling unwell," it states.

Independent

He would get very agitated, complain of headaches, constantly scratch himself, and hallucinate.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complain of headache" in medical contexts, consider specifying the type, duration, and intensity of the headache for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "complain of headache" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I have a headache" or "My head hurts" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complain of headache" is to express the act of reporting or voicing the symptom of a headache. This phrase combines a verb of expression with a prepositional phrase specifying the ailment. Ludwig AI confirms its common use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complain of headache" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of reporting or voicing the symptom of a headache. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, but can be more appropriate for formal or medical contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news sources, it serves the purpose of informing or documenting a patient's experience of head pain. When aiming for simplicity or informality, alternatives like "report a headache" or "I have a headache" may be preferred. While the phrase is widely accepted, overuse in casual contexts might sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a headache

A simpler, more direct way of stating the presence of a headache.

report a headache

Focuses on the act of reporting a symptom, rather than the expression of discomfort.

express headache pain

Highlights the pain associated with the headache, adding a layer of specificity.

voice headache discomfort

Highlights the discomfort aspect of the headache, framing it as a voiced concern.

suffer from headache

Emphasizes the experience of enduring a headache over time.

note headache as a symptom

Focuses on the headache as part of a list or record of symptoms.

experience headache symptoms

Focuses on the broader range of symptoms associated with a headache.

state that one has a headache

More formal and emphasizes the act of stating or declaring the condition.

indicate a headache

Implies a less verbal and more subtle communication of the headache.

mention a headache

Suggests a brief or casual reference to the headache.

FAQs

How can I use "complain of headache" in a sentence?

You can use "complain of headache" to describe someone expressing discomfort or pain in their head. For example, "The patient began to "complain of headache" after the procedure."

What are some alternative ways to say "complain of headache"?

Alternatives include "report a headache", "have a headache", or "express headache pain" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "complain of headache" or "complain about headache"?

"Complain of headache" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "Complain about headache" is less common and can sound awkward.

When is it appropriate to use "complain of headache" in writing?

It is appropriate in medical reports, formal writing, or when you want to maintain a certain level of formality. In more casual settings, simpler phrases like "I have a headache" are generally preferred.