complained of harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complained of harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to describe a situation where someone has reported or expressed grievances regarding injury or damage they have experienced. Example: "The plaintiff complained of harm resulting from the defendant's negligence during the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rodriguez admits that it upset her when her youngest son complained of harm from chemical pesticides.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Restaurant and bar owners and industry associations, as well as their outside lobbyists, barraged legislators and Governor Pataki with calls and letters, complaining of harm the antismoking bill would do.

The New York Times

Diplomatic criticism of China's Internet filtering software, Green Dam, was louder, particularly after the U.S. tech industry complained of the harm Beijing's filters could inflict on their sales there.

Forbes

He ruled that "whilst the claimant may not have proved that her reputation suffered gravely, I am satisfied that she has established that the publications complained of caused serious harm to her reputation".

BBC

In all of the cases, including the Shelburne case, the harm complained of related to the normal and ordinary use of residential property.

Harvard University

Planning officers said the "unauthorised use" caused harm to residents, who complained of "comings and goings in the early hours of the morning".

BBC

All female CMs complained of instances where people connive to rape or harm them at night.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

In cities across the U.S., residents complained of smog and air pollution that were limiting their visibility and harming their lungs.

Forbes

Players complained of dizziness.

The Guardian - Sport

Ninety percent of patients complained of dyspareunia.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

No patient complained of cardiac symptoms.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complained of harm", specify the type of harm and, if possible, the cause. For example, "The residents complained of harm to their property due to the construction project."

Common error

Avoid using "complained of harm" without specifying the nature of the harm. Instead of saying "The patient complained of harm", be specific: "The patient complained of chest pain and difficulty breathing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complained of harm" functions as a verb phrase with a prepositional object, indicating the action of expressing dissatisfaction or grievances related to experienced damage or injury. Ludwig indicates this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complained of harm" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe the act of voicing concerns or grievances about experienced damage or injury. Ludwig confirms its validity, indicating it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While the phrase itself is generally formal, the specific nature of the harm should be clearly specified to avoid vagueness. Alternative expressions such as "reported injury" or "alleged damage" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reported injury

Focuses specifically on physical or psychological injury that was reported.

alleged damage

Emphasizes that the damage is claimed but not yet proven.

expressed grievance about injury

Highlights the expression of discontent related to an injury.

raised concerns about detriment

Focuses on the act of voicing worries about potential or actual detriment.

voiced dissatisfaction with impairment

Highlights the expression of displeasure due to an impairment or weakening.

protested against damage

Emphasizes the act of protesting or objecting to inflicted damage.

lodged a grievance regarding injury

Implies a formal complaint process related to an injury.

denounced affliction

Highlights a strong disapproval of suffering.

bemoaned suffering

Emphasizes expressing sorrow or lamenting experienced suffering.

objected to violation

Highlights opposition to a violation that caused harm.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "complained of harm" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "reported injury", "alleged damage", or "expressed grievance about injury".

Is "complained of harm" the same as "reported an injury"?

While similar, "complained of harm" is broader and can include non-physical harm, while "reported an injury" typically refers to physical or psychological injury that has been formally documented.

What type of harm is usually associated with the phrase "complained of harm"?

The phrase "complained of harm" can refer to various types of harm, including physical injury, property damage, emotional distress, or reputational damage. The specific context determines the nature of the harm.

When is it appropriate to use "complained of harm" in legal writing?

The phrase "complained of harm" is appropriate in legal writing when describing a plaintiff's allegations of injury or damage caused by the defendant's actions or omissions. It's often used in pleadings, motions, and legal briefs.