complained by

USAGE SUMMARY

"complained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate who is complaining - like "a complaint by Joe Smith". For example, "The new policy was strongly complained by the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Some complained by email to Steve Jobs - who responded "don't hold it that way".

The Guardian - Tech

Captain Simonds complained by telephone to his crew scheduler, who told him to go to a hotel for the night.

The New York Times

William McGinley, a lawyer for Americans for Job Security, dismissed what he called "the latest frivolous complained by CREW" as "simply wrong on the facts and the law".

The New York Times

That's like voting for someone you know nothing about, then complaining 'I had no idea he would do that.' And you mention that the customer's bill was reduced after he complained, by 25 percent.

The New York Times

The coursework includes a military class taught by Colonel Collins, who is so integral to the school that when his position seemed in jeopardy, dozens of students complained by letter to the city's Department of Education.

The New York Times

In the latter stages, Armstrong, who was riding with the leading group of 14 riders, complained by radio about the helicopter that was following too closely overhead for his taste or comfort.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Nobody can complain by themselves".

The New York Times

Corner kick: Is Henry really complaining by "not complaining" about the early crush of road games?

The New York Times

You have no right to complain, by the way.

The New Yorker

At Starbucks, customers used to complain by leaving notes in suggestion boxes.

The New York Times - Tech

Their release today came after months of complaining by members of Congress that the White House was trying to withhold them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain a formal tone, use "lamented by" or "criticized by" instead of "complained by" in academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "complained by" in constructions that create passive voice confusion. Instead of "The decision was complained by many", opt for "Many complained about the decision" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complained by" functions as a passive construction, indicating who expressed dissatisfaction or raised a complaint. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes the subject making the complaint. Examples from Ludwig show its use across various domains, specifying the source of the grievance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complained by" is a versatile phrase used to attribute complaints to specific sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general information, indicating its broad applicability. Though straightforward, clarity is key: ensure you clearly identify who is complaining. Consider alternatives like "criticized by" or "objected to by" depending on the tone and formality required. While "complained by" is widely accepted, mindful usage ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lamented by

Replaces "complained" with a more formal term expressing sorrow or grief.

criticized by

Indicates a more direct and potentially public expression of disapproval.

alleged by

Suggests an unproven claim or accusation made by someone.

accused by

Implies a formal charge or accusation, often in a legal or official context.

denounced by

Indicates a strong and public condemnation or criticism.

protested by

Suggests a formal objection or demonstration against something.

objected to by

Highlights a specific point of disagreement or opposition.

voiced concerns by

Emphasizes the expression of anxieties or worries.

raised objections by

Focuses on the act of formally presenting concerns or opposition.

expressed dissatisfaction by

A more general way of saying someone showed their unhappiness

FAQs

How do I use "complained by" in a sentence?

Use "complained by" to indicate who expressed a grievance or dissatisfaction. For example, "The service was criticized by numerous customers."

What are some alternatives to "complained by"?

Alternatives include "criticized by", "objected to by", or "protested by", depending on the context and the intensity of the expression.

Is there a difference between "criticized by" and "complained by"?

"Complained by" generally refers to expressing dissatisfaction, while "criticized by" implies a more formal or analytical disapproval. The choice depends on the nature and context of the expression.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "complained by"?

"Complained by" is appropriate in contexts where you want to specify who is expressing dissatisfaction or raising concerns, especially in news reports, formal documents, or when detailing specific reactions to an event or decision.