complaints

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complaints" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when expressing dissatisfaction or grievances about a situation or service. Example: "The customer submitted several complaints regarding the poor service at the restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since 2011, United has piled up a mountain of consumer complaints (according to one report, only Spirit has more per passenger) and has repeatedly tallied some of the worst quality rankings in the nation, trailing even discount airlines like Frontier and AirTran.

The Economist

(With Laugh Lab, they even had to take down 'blonde' jokes after complaints).

The Guardian

Police are investigating complaints from four campaigners who say they felt intimidated by covert officers who tried to recruit them as informants.

The Guardian

But Zanu-PF has poured scorn on the complaints as sour grapes.

The Guardian

Brian Messenger, a Tory council candidate in Margate, said his party had received complaints of verbal intimidation of voters outside some polling stations.

The Guardian

The report concluded there was "no credible evidence" to uphold complaints by Duggan's family that police had relocated the firearm in the sock, that officer V53 did not fire live shots in the belief Duggan was pointing a firearm at him, and that he did not use lawful force.

The Guardian

There are police forces who had complaints on their books and chose not, for whatever reason, to pursue matters.

The Guardian

Those complaints are admissions that the state is, or ought to be, all of us working collectively for the common good.

The Guardian - Opinion

A taxi driver contracted to international online cab firm Uber and detained on charges of raping a female passenger last weekend in the Indian capital Delhi is a serial sexual offender with dozens of criminal complaints registered against him, local media have claimed.

The Guardian

QAA has consulted academics on, and included in the UK Quality Code, the basic features that should be incorporated into courses in terms of design, recruitment, learning and teaching, student participation and engagement, assessment and external examining, course updating, appeals and complaints, collaboration and research degrees.

The Guardian

Complaints will be dealt with by the Data Protection Manager, and will be responded to within 30 days at the latest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complaints" in a formal context when addressing grievances to ensure professionalism. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "issues" or "problems".

Common error

Ensure that each "complaint" is clearly articulated with specific details rather than general statements. Vague "complaints" are difficult to address and often lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complaints" is as a plural noun, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes expressions of dissatisfaction or grievances, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis of "complaints" reveals its prevalent use as a plural noun to denote expressions of dissatisfaction across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "grievances" and "objections" offer alternatives, the term remains a standard way to describe expressed dissatisfaction. Understanding its function and usage patterns aids in effective communication and accurate expression in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grievances

This term is a direct synonym, focusing on the formal expression of wrongs suffered.

dissatisfactions

Focuses on the state of being unhappy or not content with something.

objections

This alternative highlights the act of expressing disapproval or opposition.

protests

This term emphasizes a more public or organized form of expressing dissent.

charges

Implies a formal accusation or claim of wrongdoing.

claims

Similar to charges, but can also refer to requests for compensation or redress.

demurrers

A formal objection, often used in legal contexts.

denunciations

Highlights a public condemnation or criticism.

cavils

Focuses on petty or trivial objections.

agin

Slang term for 'complaints'.

FAQs

How can I use "complaints" in a sentence?

You can use "complaints" to describe expressions of dissatisfaction, such as: "The company received numerous "customer complaints" about the new product."

What are some synonyms for "complaints"?

Alternatives for "complaints" include "grievances", "objections", and "dissatisfactions", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "complaints"?

"Complaints" is suitable in both formal and informal contexts, though formal situations may benefit from more precise terms like "formal grievances".

What's the difference between "complaints" and "criticisms"?

"Complaints" typically refer to specific grievances or issues, whereas "criticisms" are more general expressions of disapproval or negative feedback.