complained of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complained of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone has made a complaint about a specific issue or matter. Example: "The plaintiff complained of negligence on the part of the defendant during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Players complained of dizziness.

The Guardian - Sport

All complained of non-attendance.

The Economist

She complained of gallbladder problems.

The New Yorker

Turner complained of abdominal soreness.

The New Yorker

He complained of a draft.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he complained of tightness.

The New York Times - Sports

Others complained of historical inaccuracies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nadal complained of various slights.

The New York Times - Sports

She complained of insidious persecutions.

The New Yorker

Independent local observers also complained of irregularities.

The New York Times

Many Syrian exiles have complained of harassment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of similar complaints, vary your language by using synonyms like "reported", "expressed concerns about", or "voiced objections to" to avoid repetition.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "complained of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "said they had" or "mentioned" when communicating informally to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complained of" functions as a verb phrase + preposition, indicating the act of reporting a symptom, problem, or grievance. It's commonly used to introduce what someone has expressed as a source of discomfort or dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complained of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to formally report symptoms, problems, or grievances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While suitable for medical, legal, and professional settings, it can be overly formal in casual conversation. Alternative phrases like "reported" or "expressed concerns about" may be more appropriate in informal settings. "Complained of" finds frequent use in Science and News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reported

A direct and neutral alternative, suitable for formal and informal contexts.

expressed dissatisfaction with

Clearly conveys a sense of unhappiness or disappointment with something.

expressed concerns about

Highlights the expression of worries or anxieties regarding a specific issue.

objected to

A straightforward way of expressing disagreement or disapproval.

voiced objections to

Indicates a formal expression of disapproval or disagreement.

raised grievances about

Emphasizes the act of formally stating complaints or reasons for dissatisfaction.

lodged a complaint regarding

A formal way of saying that a complaint has been officially submitted.

protested against

Suggests a strong expression of disapproval, often in a public manner.

grumbled about

Suggests complaining in a quiet or discontented way.

whined about

An informal way of saying someone complained in an annoying way. Has negative connotation.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "complained of"?

Alternatives include "reported", "expressed concerns about", "voiced objections to", or "raised grievances about", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "complained of" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, in most casual conversations, "complained of" can sound stilted. Simpler alternatives like "said they had" or "mentioned" are usually more appropriate. Use "complained of" in more formal or professional settings.

How to use "complained of" in a sentence?

You can use "complained of" to indicate that someone reported a symptom, problem, or grievance. For example: "The patient "complained of" chest pain" or "Residents "complained of" excessive noise."

What's the difference between "complained about" and "complained of"?

"Complained about" is generally used to express dissatisfaction with something (e.g., "He "complained about" the service"). "Complained of" is typically used to report symptoms or problems (e.g., "She "complained of" a headache").