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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it complains that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it complains that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a statement or document that expresses dissatisfaction or grievances about a particular issue. Example: "The report is clear; it complains that the new policy is unfair to employees."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
24 human-written examples
It complains that its commuter trains, in particular, have been starved of funds.The Basques have no such worries: each Basque province and Navarre collect their own taxes and hand over less than 10% to the central government in Madrid.
News & Media
It complains that its reputation and business have been damaged by what it says were misleading reports that the NSA had "direct access" to its internal servers.
News & Media
Although Bolivia has its own customs officials and storage in Arica and Antofagasta, it complains that Chile has created an obstacle course for exporters.
News & Media
It complains that BP has stiffed it.
News & Media
It complains that many of them are Italian.
News & Media
It complains that Mexico fails to enforce the current requirement for 30% local content.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
36 human-written examples
Blockbuster was felled by online competition, but it complained that business rates amounted to 10% of its turnover.
News & Media
I've compiled nmodl with flags for Sandy Bridge and added -fPIC after it complained that it needs it.
Academia
It complained that Pakistan was not doing enough to stop militants from mounting cross-border attacks.
News & Media
It complained that "there have been further concessions to the press industry lobby".
News & Media
Nowhere does it complain that the foundation is diverting funds from the scholarships.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it complains that" to clearly and directly convey a grievance or dissatisfaction from a specific entity. Ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined in the context to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "it complains that" if the complaint is vague or not directly attributable to the stated subject. Ensure the complaint is a direct expression from the subject.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it complains that" primarily functions as a reporting verb phrase, introducing a statement of grievance or dissatisfaction. It's used to attribute a complaint to a specific subject, indicating their disapproval or discontent as suggested by Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
70%
Academia
20%
Science
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it complains that" is a versatile phrase used to report dissatisfaction or grievances expressed by a subject. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic writing, it maintains a neutral tone while clearly conveying objections. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Alternatives such as "it objects that" or "it voices concerns that" can provide nuanced variations. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject of the complaint is clearly defined and the attribution is accurate.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it objects that
Replaces "complains" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the act of raising an objection.
it voices concerns that
Highlights the expression of worry or unease about a situation.
it disapproves that
Focuses on expressing a lack of approval or agreement with something.
it protests that
Suggests a stronger expression of disapproval than "complains", implying a more formal or public declaration.
it criticizes that
Highlights the act of pointing out faults or shortcomings.
it finds fault that
Emphasizes the action of discovering errors or weaknesses.
it laments that
Emphasizes the expression of sorrow or regret over a situation, rather than a direct complaint.
it bemoans that
Similar to "laments", but can suggest a more persistent or weary expression of complaint.
it grumbles that
Suggests a more informal and perhaps less serious complaint.
it whines that
Implies a petty or annoying complaint.
FAQs
How can I use "it complains that" in a sentence?
Use "it complains that" when you want to express that something (a person, a group, an organization, etc.) is expressing dissatisfaction. For example: "The company complains that the new regulations are too restrictive."
What can I say instead of "it complains that"?
You can use alternatives like "it objects that", "it voices concerns that", or "it criticizes that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Which is correct: "it complains that" or "it is complaining that"?
Both "it complains that" and "it is complaining that" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "It complains that" is used to describe a general or recurring complaint, while "it is complaining that" implies an ongoing or immediate complaint.
What's the difference between "it complains that" and "it claims that"?
"It complains that" implies a grievance or dissatisfaction, while "it claims that" simply states that something is being asserted as true, without necessarily implying negativity. The choice depends on whether you want to convey a sense of complaint or merely report an assertion.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested