reasonable complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'reasonable complaint' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the expression of dissatisfaction about an issue in an appropriate or justifiable way. For example, "After waiting three hours to see a doctor, it's a reasonable complaint to expect the clinic to offer an apology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is a reasonable complaint.

The Guardian - Business

Which sounds like a reasonable complaint.

The Washington Post

A common (and reasonable) complaint is that many of the countries pressing them are also tax havens in their own right.

The Economist

A favourite, and reasonable, complaint of urban residents is that an increasingly disproportionate amount of the country's new wealth is lining the pockets of a privileged few.

The Economist

If you are still befuddled after the 10th or 12th trip, your boss has a reasonable complaint, and you should look into that Global Positioning System.

The New York Times - Magazine

Parodying a porn movie is redundant, but that's the only reasonable complaint to aim at this cheerfully raunchy stage version -- adaptation is probably too strong a word -- of the 1979 film about cheerleaders in heat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Those are reasonable complaints.

The New Yorker

Although Baou's actions imply a multi-pronged revenge campaign, some anti-Wikipedians appear to have more reasonable complaints.

MIT Technology Review

Address your (totally reasonable) complaints to their adult chaperons, like the air steward (as you did) or the teacher (if you wanted airport justice).

The New York Times

The company asserts that the Internet can lead to better customer service dialogue — if people make reasonable complaints, customers can help one another solve problems.

The New York Times - Tech

Amid the usual gripes about money, overwork and threats to their monopoly status, the teaching unions' annual conferences this weekend had two quite reasonable complaints about the government's education policy.The first is tests.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable complaint", ensure the context clearly indicates why the complaint is considered justifiable or appropriate. Providing specific details or evidence to support the complaint strengthens its validity.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable complaint" to describe trivial issues or personal preferences that lack objective justification. Ensure the complaint aligns with common standards of fairness and logic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable complaint" functions as a noun phrase, where "reasonable" modifies the noun "complaint". It typically serves to identify and categorize a specific instance of expressing dissatisfaction, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable complaint" denotes a grievance that is justifiable and warrants attention. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While "reasonable complaint" is not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates the validity of an objection. Remember to use it when the issue at hand is truly justifiable, avoiding trivial matters. Consider alternatives like "valid grievance" or "legitimate concern" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid grievance

Replaces "complaint" with "grievance" emphasizing a cause for protest or resentment that has a real basis.

justifiable complaint

Emphasizes the defensible or warrantable nature of the complaint.

legitimate concern

Shifts the focus to the underlying worry or problem that prompts the complaint.

valid objection

Replaces "complaint" with "objection" which means an expression or feeling of disapproval or opposition.

well-founded concern

Highlights that the concern is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

defensible criticism

Presents the complaint as a form of criticism that can be supported with evidence or arguments.

justified criticism

Indicates that the criticism is warranted and fair, given the circumstances.

fair criticism

Replace "reasonable" with "fair", meaning that the criticism is impartial and just.

understandable concern

Focuses on the ease with which the concern can be appreciated or sympathized with.

legitimate protest

Highlights the rightfulness or lawfulness of the protest.

FAQs

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

You can use "reasonable complaint" to describe a grievance that is justified under the circumstances. For example, "The customer's "reasonable complaint" about the delayed delivery was addressed with a full refund."

What are some alternatives to "reasonable complaint"?

Alternatives include "valid grievance", "justifiable complaint", or "legitimate concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very reasonable complaint"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "very" might be seen as slightly redundant. The term "reasonable" already implies a degree of justification. Consider strengthening the description with specific reasons instead.

What distinguishes a "reasonable complaint" from a simple complaint?

A "reasonable complaint" implies that there's a valid and understandable basis for the dissatisfaction, grounded in fairness, logic, or pre-established agreements. A simple complaint may lack such clear justification.