complaint about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complaint about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to expressing dissatisfaction or grievances regarding a specific issue or subject. Example: "She filed a formal complaint about the poor service she received at the restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Her complaint about immigrants.

The New York Times

No complaint about that".

The New York Times - Sports

My complaint about Apple after the jump.

The New York Times

Someone had posted a complaint about Mom.

The New York Times - Magazine

Johnson had no complaint about Cortez's call.

The New York Times - Sports

The final complaint about GM is ownership.

The Guardian

His biggest complaint about Mr. Levy?

The New York Times

It is a complaint about this judge".

The Guardian

Stone's complaint (about the players): Nobody comes to net anymore.

The New Yorker

George Bernard Shaw's letter of complaint about women's opera attire.

The New Yorker

But that's a minor complaint about a satisfying production.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "complaint about", ensure that the subject of the complaint is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "There was a complaint about the issue", specify "There was a complaint about the handling of the issue".

Common error

Avoid using "complaint about" in overly general statements. Be specific about what the complaint entails. For example, instead of saying "There were complaints about the service", specify "There were complaints about the slow and inattentive service".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complaint about" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to introduce the subject or topic of a complaint. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in English and can be used to indicate dissatisfaction or grievance regarding a specific matter. Examples from Ludwig include "Her complaint about immigrants" and "The final complaint about GM is ownership".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complaint about" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase to express dissatisfaction or grievance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal reports to informal discussions, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to effective communication. Be sure to clearly define the subject of the complaint to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grievance regarding

Replaces "complaint" with "grievance", emphasizing the feeling of being wronged.

Issue with

Substitutes "complaint" with "issue", indicating a problem or concern.

Objection to

Replaces "complaint" with "objection", highlighting a formal disapproval.

Dissatisfaction with

Expresses a lack of satisfaction, rather than a direct complaint.

Criticism of

Focuses on pointing out faults, similar to lodging a complaint.

Protest against

Implies a stronger, more active expression of disapproval than a simple complaint.

Disagreement with

Highlights a difference in opinion that might lead to a complaint.

Quarrel over

Suggests a dispute or argument regarding something.

Beef with

An informal term for a complaint or grievance.

Problem concerning

Replaces "complaint" with "problem", indicating an issue that needs resolving.

FAQs

How can I use "complaint about" in a sentence?

You can use "complaint about" to express dissatisfaction or grievances regarding a specific issue or subject. For instance: "She filed a formal "complaint about" the poor service" or "His biggest "complaint about" the project was the lack of resources".

What are some alternatives to "complaint about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "grievance regarding", "issue with", or "objection to", depending on the context and the formality required.

What's the difference between "complaint about" and "criticism of"?

"Complaint about" typically refers to a formal expression of dissatisfaction, while "criticism of" involves pointing out faults or shortcomings. The former often implies a desire for resolution, whereas the latter may simply be an observation or judgment. You can use "criticism of" in situations where you don't require any improvement from someone.

Is it always necessary to specify the subject after "complaint about"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the subject after "complaint about" provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, saying "A complaint about the noise" is more informative than simply saying "A complaint was made".