he complains that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he complains that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when reporting someone's grievances or dissatisfaction about a particular issue or situation. Example: "In his latest article, he complains that the government is not doing enough to address climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He complains that home cooks remain wary.

The Economist

He complains that the police department turns a blind eye.

The New York Times

He complains that we didn't bomb Assad two years ago.

Independent

He complains that this tactical proposal promotes indiscriminate slaughter.

The Guardian

But he complains that activists are unfairly criticizing his company.

The New York Times

He complains that he is getting old and losing patience.

The Guardian - Sport

He complains that he felt no pleasure; it just hurt.

The New Yorker

He complains that the long-term vision sometimes precludes easier short-term fixes.

The Economist

But like so many here, he complains that inflation is beginning to erode those gains.

The New York Times

He complains that NATO hesitates even to make intelligence assessments of perils from Russia.

The Economist

He complains that the industry seems to innovate much too slowly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he complains that", follow it with a complete and specific statement of what is being complained about. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements that leave the reader unsure of the issue.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of the complaint is clearly identified. Avoid using pronouns or vague language that could make it difficult for the reader to understand who or what is being complained about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he complains that" serves as a reporting verb phrase, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses the subject's dissatisfaction or grievance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage. Examples show it used to report various issues, from service quality to political decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

14%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he complains that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for reporting someone's dissatisfaction or grievances. Ludwig AI data confirms its validity and broad applicability. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity in the subject and content of the complaint. Alternatives like "he objects that" or "he criticizes that" can be used for subtle variations in formality or emphasis. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, with less frequent use in more formal or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he objects that

Suggests a formal disapproval or disagreement.

he criticizes that

Focuses on pointing out faults or shortcomings.

he protests that

Implies a stronger, more vocal expression of disapproval.

he deplores that

Expresses strong disapproval and condemnation.

he disapproves that

Highlights a lack of acceptance or agreement.

he regrets that

Indicates a feeling of sadness or disappointment about something.

he laments that

Conveys a sense of sorrow or regret along with the complaint.

he bemoans that

Similar to laments, emphasizing sorrow and regret.

he grumbles that

Indicates a low-level, often ongoing expression of discontent.

he murmurs that

Suggests a quiet, almost secretive complaint.

FAQs

How can I use "he complains that" in a sentence?

Use "he complains that" to introduce a statement where someone is expressing their dissatisfaction. For example, "He complains that the service was slow."

What are some alternatives to "he complains that"?

You can use alternatives like "he objects that", "he protests that", or "he criticizes that" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "he complains that" or "he objects that"?

"He objects that" tends to be more formal than "he complains that". The choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

What's the difference between "he complains that" and "he states that"?

"He complains that" indicates dissatisfaction, while "he states that" is a neutral way of reporting what someone said. The former carries an emotional tone of grievance, whereas the latter is simply informative.