make a complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a complaint" is a grammatically correct phrase that is widely used in written English.
You can use it to refer to expressing discontent or dissatisfaction with someone or something. For example: "I'm going to make a complaint to the customer service department about the poor quality of this product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Stobbart did not make a complaint.

The Guardian

He confirmed that Corbyn himself would not make a complaint.

The Guardian

"You can't even make a complaint, because it's nature," the woman replied.

The New Yorker

"It feels like anyone can make a complaint and end up having their day in court.

Independent

They are hitting a brick wall when they make a complaint".

Independent

He told the sergeant that he wanted to make a complaint.

The New York Times

"At times, they have not had the opportunity to make a complaint or to seek solutions".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

No, I'm not going to do that [make a complaint] (Andrés – Spanish speaker, male, 40+, interview).

Critical Public Health

"This council, Barnet, they charge £500 if you want to make a complaint.

BBC

It is frightening to make a complaint when your future career rests on the anonymous references of several individuals.

Independent

He said he had also stored images because he planned to make a complaint about them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always keep a record of your communication when you "make a complaint", including dates, times, and names of people you spoke with.

Common error

Avoid making vague or generalized complaints. Instead of saying "The service was bad", specify what aspects of the service were unsatisfactory and provide concrete examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a complaint" functions as a verbal phrase, where "make" acts as a light verb taking "a complaint" as its object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a complaint" is a versatile expression used to indicate the act of formally reporting dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While alternatives like "file a grievance" or "lodge a protest" offer similar meanings, "make a complaint" serves as a general and accessible way to express concerns and initiate a process for resolution. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific and provide supporting evidence to ensure the complaint is taken seriously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

file a grievance

This alternative is more formal and often used in workplace or organizational contexts.

lodge a protest

This alternative suggests a more public and assertive expression of disagreement.

raise an objection

This alternative implies a formal expression of disagreement or opposition, often in legal or official settings.

submit a claim

This alternative is more specific and suggests seeking compensation or resolution for a perceived wrong.

express dissatisfaction

This alternative is more general and focuses on conveying a feeling of discontent.

voice concerns

This alternative emphasizes the act of communicating worries or anxieties.

report an issue

This alternative is more neutral and focuses on informing authorities about a problem.

register a concern

This alternative is similar to voicing concerns but suggests a more formal registration of the issue.

bring something to someone's attention

This alternative implies informing someone about an issue that needs to be addressed.

state one's case

This alternative suggests presenting arguments or evidence to support a particular viewpoint or claim.

FAQs

How can I use "make a complaint" in a sentence?

You can use "make a complaint" to describe the action of formally reporting dissatisfaction. For example, "I'm going to "make a complaint" about the delayed flight".

What's the difference between "make a complaint" and "file a complaint"?

"Make a complaint" is a general term for expressing dissatisfaction, while "file a complaint" often implies a more formal, documented process.

What can I say instead of "make a complaint"?

You can use alternatives like "lodge a complaint", "raise an objection", or "express dissatisfaction" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to "make a complaint" in writing?

While some situations allow for verbal complaints, documenting your concerns in writing when you "make a complaint" often provides a clearer record and can be beneficial if further action is required.