like he complained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like he complained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is expressing dissatisfaction or grievances in a manner similar to how another person has previously complained. Example: "She was frustrated with the service, like he complained about the long wait time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"You can't imagine what it's like," he complained in a letter that Peel read out, "listening from 10 till 12, Monday to Thursday, hoping that your latest release will be played".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The book is shorter than Parker would like; he complains about how much he had to cut; he boasts, in the preface to the second volume, that it has been 'rigorously, strenuously condensed into a mere thousand pages'.

The Guardian - Books

"I would like an explanation," he complained to the judges, as he tried to induce Mr. Elshani to admit that Kosovar rebels and NATO planes were the reason for military activity in Mr. Elshani's village, Nogavac, in March 1999.

The New York Times

"Insults pour down on me like hail," he complained to Baudelaire.

The Guardian - Arts

"The Taliban are like animals," he complained as friends cautioned him to be more discreet.

The New York Times

Those disciplines are like fashion, he complained: They pursue form for its own sake, and the result is boring — decorative and arbitrary.

The New York Times

"They're like mosquitoes," he complained with a cheerful grin, a cultural characteristic here that often belies the anger felt inside.

The New York Times - Sports

Folks at digital marketing company The Think Tank, or T3, noticed that when Trump's tweets criticize a company — like when he complained about Boeing in a tweet about building a new 747 Air Force One — the company's stock tends to briefly fall.

Huffington Post

Now architecture had become "like pulling teeth", he complained.

The Guardian - Arts

"The clam chowder was rotten, like wallpaper, really," he complained to his colleagues.

The New York Times

"Everything in the Sun plot is being marked out like a runway," he complained after two episodes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like he complained", ensure that the context clearly establishes who "he" refers to and what the complaint is about, for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "like he complained" when the connection to the person's actual complaint is weak or nonexistent. Ensure a direct and logical link to the previous statement to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like he complained" functions as a comparative phrase, drawing a parallel between a current situation or statement and a previous complaint made by a specific person. This comparison serves to highlight the similarity in the subject matter of the complaints, enhancing understanding. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like he complained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its primary function is to draw a comparison between a current issue and a previous complaint, often to emphasize shared sentiment or reinforce a point. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves a communicative purpose of agreement or highlighting similarities in complaints. When using this phrase, clarity and contextual relevance are crucial to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as he grumbled

Replaces "complained" with "grumbled", implying a lower, less articulate form of complaint. Adds a nuance of discontent.

similar to his grievances

Emphasizes the existence of previous complaints.

in the same vein as his complaints

Highlights the similarity in tone or subject matter of the complaint.

echoing his discontent

Suggests a resonance or repetition of a previously expressed feeling of dissatisfaction.

mirroring his objections

Emphasizes a direct resemblance or parallel to previously raised objections.

following his pattern of complaint

Implies a habitual or predictable nature to the act of complaining.

resembling his prior complaints

Highlights the similarity to a previous complaint.

as he voiced his concerns

Replaces "complained" with "voiced his concerns", softening the negative connotation.

consistent with his complaints

Emphasizes the consistency or alignment with previous expressions of dissatisfaction.

along the lines of his complaints

Indicates a general correspondence or similarity in subject matter.

FAQs

How can I use "like he complained" in a sentence?

Use "like he complained" to draw a comparison between a current statement or situation and a previous complaint made by a specific person. For example: "The service was slow and inefficient, "like he complained" last week."

What's a more formal alternative to "like he complained"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "similar to his previous grievances" or "consistent with his earlier objections". These options provide a more professional way to reference past complaints.

Is it grammatically correct to say "like he complained"?

Yes, the phrase "like he complained" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in informal contexts. However, ensure the context is clear and the reference to "he" is easily understood.

What's the difference between "like he complained" and "as he complained"?

"Like he complained" draws a direct comparison or similarity, while "as he complained" focuses more on the manner or the act of complaining itself. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the similarity in content or the act of complaining.