serious complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a complaint that is significant or warrants attention due to its nature or implications. Example: "The customer filed a serious complaint regarding the quality of the product they received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

That's a serious complaint.

The New York Times

Any serious complaint could initiate an investigation lasting several weeks.

The Guardian

To me this is preferable to missing a serious complaint.

The Guardian

Yet none of the Falklanders quoted here makes any serious complaint about his treatment.

The Economist

Abigail's more serious complaint was that Lane threatened to break up her marriage.

The New York Times - Books

My only serious complaint about the book is that I think Kavanagh gave Nureyev too many breaks.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It ranges from that to very serious complaints".

The Guardian

The range of serious complaints has changed little.

The Guardian

More serious complaints flow into the MSC's international headquarters in west London.

The Guardian

But serious complaints were also coming from provinces in the north and west.

The New York Times

• New steps to ensure independent investigations into serious complaints against the police.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious complaint", clearly specify the subject or context of the complaint to ensure clarity. For example, "a serious complaint about workplace harassment".

Common error

Avoid pairing "serious complaint" with overly vague language. Instead of saying "a serious complaint was made", specify what the complaint was about or who made it to provide more context and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious complaint" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a grievance or issue that is significant and warrants attention. Ludwig AI shows various examples where the phrase is used to describe formal accusations, concerns, or problems that require investigation or resolution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serious complaint" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a significant grievance or issue requiring attention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. The phrase functions to convey the importance and severity of a concern, urging action or resolution. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of the complaint. As a professional writing tip avoid using overly vague language. For alternatives, consider "grave grievance" or "major concern" to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major concern

Underlines the importance and worry associated with the issue.

grave grievance

Highlights the solemn and weighty nature of the complaint.

grievous objection

Emphasizes the severity and painful nature of the complaint.

major problem

Points out a significant issue needing resolution.

significant protest

Indicates a notable expression of disapproval or dissent.

pressing issue

Stresses the urgency and importance of the complaint that cannot be delayed.

critical issue

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of addressing the problem.

severe accusation

Focuses on the accusatory aspect, implying a formal charge.

substantial allegation

Highlights that the allegation is supported by considerable evidence.

dire assertion

Expresses a severe or alarming claim that needs attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious complaint" to describe a grievance that warrants attention. For example: "The company received a "serious complaint" regarding the safety protocols."

What can I say instead of "serious complaint"?

You can use alternatives like "grave grievance", "major concern", or "severe accusation" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "serious complaint" or "severely complaining"?

"Serious complaint" is a noun phrase that refers to a grave issue. "Severely complaining" is a verb phrase indicating the act of complaining intensely. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "serious complaint" and "minor issue"?

A ""serious complaint"" signifies a significant problem or grievance, while a "minor issue" refers to a less consequential problem or concern. The seriousness is determined by the potential impact or consequences.