complained of headache

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complained of headache" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical or informal contexts to describe someone expressing discomfort or pain related to their head. Example: "During the consultation, the patient complained of headache and requested some relief."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

He spent most of his time providing small comforts, bringing the patients glasses of water or massaging their heads if they complained of headache.

The New Yorker

He also complained of headache with migraine characteristics.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

In 1962, almost 4 times as many patients complained of headache as in 1999 (11% vs 4%).

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

600 patients (3-17 years old) who complained of headache have been examined.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

1,340 patients aged from 3 to 17 years who complained of headache have been examined.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Of the 4,836 participants, 82.3% complained of headache at least once per year.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He complained of headaches Monday, Tom Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Moskalenko complained of headaches and vomiting on Tuesday.

The New York Times

They have complained of headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation.

The New York Times

They complained of headaches, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms.

The New York Times

She complained of headaches; the job had become more tedious; the boss was insufferable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a patient's symptoms, use "complained of headache" to indicate that the patient actively voiced their discomfort, differentiating it from observed symptoms.

Common error

In formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "reported headache" or "indicated headache discomfort" to maintain a neutral tone and avoid implying subjectivity.

Linguistic Context

Complained of headache functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of voicing a complaint about experiencing a headache. It typically follows a subject (the person complaining) and precedes any further details about the headache or its context. Ludwig confirms that this is a standard way to express this symptom.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complained of headache" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone voiced their discomfort related to a headache. Ludwig confirms its validity, noting it's frequently found in both scientific and news contexts. While perfectly acceptable, more formal alternatives like "reported a headache" may be preferred in some settings. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects that the person actively expressed their discomfort, distinguishing it from simply having a headache. Be mindful of the setting, and consider alternatives for stricter, formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reported a headache

More formal and direct, simply stating the fact of reporting a headache without implying complaint.

Expressed headache pain

Focuses on the pain aspect of the headache, suitable when emphasizing the discomfort.

Mentioned having a headache

Less formal, indicating a casual mention rather than a strong complaint.

Suffered from headache

Highlights the experience of enduring a headache, emphasizing the negative impact.

Experienced headache symptoms

More clinical, focusing on the manifestation of headache symptoms.

Indicated headache discomfort

Formal and neutral, suitable for medical or professional contexts.

Gave a history of headaches

Used when referring to a patient's medical history regarding headaches.

Was affected by headache

Focuses on the effect of the headache on the individual.

Had an episode of headache

More specific, referring to a particular instance of a headache.

Developed a headache

Indicates the onset or beginning of a headache.

FAQs

What does "complained of headache" mean?

It indicates that someone verbally expressed discomfort or pain related to a headache.

What can I say instead of "complained of headache"?

You can use alternatives like "reported a headache", "mentioned having a headache", or "suffered from headache" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "complained of headache" in a medical context?

Yes, it is appropriate, but more formal alternatives such as "reported a headache" or "indicated headache discomfort" may be preferred in strictly scientific writing.

What's the difference between "complained of headache" and "had a headache"?

"Complained of headache" implies that the person voiced their discomfort, while "had a headache" simply states the existence of a headache, regardless of whether it was communicated.