major grievance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major grievance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant complaint or issue that someone has, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "The employees presented a major grievance regarding their working conditions during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Corruption has become a major grievance.

The New York Times

Restrictions on the flow of goods into Tamil controlled areas, a major grievance, have been eased.

The Economist

The treatment of the gay community by the police was a major grievance.

The Guardian

The loss of those sites became a major grievance for Moscow.

The Washington Post

A major grievance against the former dictator is for signing-up Pakistan to the so-called War against Terror.

Independent

The continued suffering and occupation of Palestinians continues to dominate the emotions and collective mindset of Muslims worldwide and serves as a major grievance against the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Wallace: Ask what are the major dividers or major grievances?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The government has failed to address any of the major grievances of the Sunni — and even some Shia — communities.

The New York Times

To this day there has been little if any venting of major grievances or divulging of big secrets, which may or may not exist.

The New York Times

One of her major grievances, she said, was that although she had fully participated in their art purchases, her husband tried to take sole credit for them.

The New York Times - Arts

One of their major grievances had to do with the tax burden imposed on them to support the king's wars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major grievance", ensure the context clearly establishes the significance of the complaint or issue being addressed. Use it when the grievance has substantial impact or broad relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "major grievance" for trivial complaints. This phrase is best reserved for issues with significant consequences or widespread impact to avoid undermining its importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major grievance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying a significant complaint or source of discontent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote a serious issue that warrants attention and redress. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from political disputes to workplace issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major grievance" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant source of discontent or complaint. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news media and academic discussions. It implies a serious issue that warrants attention. Related phrases include "significant complaint", "primary concern", and "principal objection". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the importance of the grievance. Avoid using it for minor issues to maintain its impact. Considering Ludwig's examples, this phrase commonly appears in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant complaint

Focuses on the act of complaining about something significant.

primary concern

Highlights the importance of the issue as a central concern.

principal objection

Emphasizes the act of objecting to something important.

chief complaint

Stresses that it's the most important complaint of all.

serious issue

Underlines the gravity and importance of the problem.

main problem

Indicates that the grievance is the most important problem.

key concern

Highlights the importance of the issue as a key concern.

substantial issue

Highlights importance and weight of the issue.

grave injustice

Elevates the grievance to the level of a serious injustice.

significant discontent

Emphasizes a pervasive feeling of dissatisfaction.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "major grievance"?

You can use alternatives like "significant complaint", "primary concern", or "principal objection depending on the context.

How do I use "major grievance" in a sentence?

Use "major grievance" to describe a significant source of discontent or complaint. For example: "The lack of transparency was a major grievance among the employees."

Is "major grievance" formal or informal?

"Major grievance" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, but avoid it in very casual conversations. In extremely formal settings, consider more precise terminology related to legal or official complaints.

What's the difference between "major grievance" and "minor issue"?

A "major grievance" indicates a substantial problem causing significant discontent, while a "minor issue" is a small, less impactful concern. The choice depends on the severity and scope of the problem.