complained of sore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complained of sore" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express that someone has reported experiencing soreness, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "The patient complained of sore muscles after the workout."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

freshmen who complained of sore limbs.

The New York Times - Travel

New hires unaccustomed to work boots complained of sore, blistered feet.

The Washington Post

In the courtyard of the school on Tuesday, students and teachers still complained of sore throats, dizziness and headaches.

The New York Times

Some complained of sore arms or mild fevers, he said, but that is typical for flu shots.

The New York Times

I'll never forget her grin when I complained of sore legs after a dozen sprints up and down our high school stairs.

The New York Times - Sports

When the workers complained of sore throats and difficulty breathing, Mr. Elias told them to finish the job or find work somewhere else.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Morgellons was named in 2001 by an American called Mary Leitao, whose son complained of sores around his mouth and the sensation of "bugs".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Soldiers asked to be excused from the mission, complaining of sore limbs or faulty weapons.

The Economist

Never once would my grandma complain of sore legs or fatigue.

The New York Times

First-time bobsled riders, however, sometimes complain of sore backs or necks.

The New York Times

And if so, why did the female cyclists who ingested protein complain of sore and tired muscles during the sessions?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical discomfort, prioritize clarity and grammatical accuracy. Instead of using "complained of sore", opt for phrases like "reported soreness" or "mentioned pain" to ensure your writing is both professional and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "complained of sore" in formal writing. It's more precise to say someone "reported soreness" or "experienced soreness" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complained of sore" functions as part of a predicate describing a symptom or condition reported by someone. Ludwig AI suggests that this construction is not grammatically sound and offers clearer alternatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "complained of sore" appears in various sources, including news and scientific articles, Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically incorrect. More appropriate alternatives, such as "reported soreness" or "mentioned pain", should be used for clarity and precision. The prevalence of the phrase suggests it's a common error, but writers should aim for grammatically sound alternatives to ensure their writing is professional and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reported soreness

This phrase replaces "complained of sore" with a more direct and grammatically correct expression.

expressed discomfort

This alternative uses a broader term to indicate unease, suitable when the exact nature of the soreness is less important.

mentioned pain

This option is straightforward and clear, focusing on the sensation of pain rather than the act of complaining.

experienced soreness

This option highlights the experience of soreness, rather than the act of complaining about it.

indicated tenderness

This phrase is more specific, suggesting a sensitivity to touch in the affected area.

felt aching

This alternative describes the sensation directly, without explicitly stating a complaint.

described discomfort

This alternative uses a descriptive term to convey the feeling of unease or pain.

voiced complaints of soreness

This alternative explicitly includes the act of voicing complaints about soreness.

expressed concerns about pain

This option highlights the expression of worry related to the pain experienced.

reported aching sensation

This phrase specifies the type of sensation experienced, providing more detail.

FAQs

What's a better way to phrase "complained of sore"?

Instead of "complained of sore", consider using phrases like "reported soreness", "mentioned pain", or "expressed discomfort". These alternatives are clearer and more grammatically sound.

Is it grammatically correct to say "complained of sore"?

No, the phrase "complained of sore" is not grammatically correct. Standard English usage would favor phrases like "complained of soreness" or "reported sore muscles".

How can I use "reported soreness" in a sentence?

You can use "reported soreness" in a sentence like: "The patient "reported soreness" in their lower back after the exercise session."

What's the difference between "complained of sore" and "complained of soreness"?

While "complained of sore" is grammatically incorrect, "complained of soreness" is the correct form. "Sore" is an adjective, and "soreness" is a noun, which is needed after the preposition "of".