subject of complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject of complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific issue or matter that someone is expressing dissatisfaction about. Example: "The subject of complaint in the meeting was the delay in project delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Yet when Afghanistan comes up in this election, the sole subject of complaint is that our helicopters don't work as well as they should.

Independent

All of them are the routine subject of complaint - in my opinion justified - to which democratic politicians have - rightly - the obligation to respond.

The Guardian

School was a place to suffer, and if it was hot, a little more suffering was not a subject of complaint.

The New York Times

He admits at present few employers are likely to be the subject of complaint since the intern is so dependent on the employer for a job.

The Guardian

But the inadequate supply of taxis has been a subject of complaint since demand began rising in the late 1990's.

The New York Times

Any judge or magistrate who opened her mouth before engaging her brain on Twitter, on a blog on the radio or in a newspaper or elsewhere ought rightly to be the subject of complaint and due process.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The FISA court has similarly been the subject of complaints.

The Washington Post

Stansted airport was also the subject of complaints.

The Guardian - Money

Jones said the mill had been the subject of complaints.

The Guardian

Fessenheim has also been the subject of complaints about safety from the German and Swiss governments.

The Guardian

That divergence has become a frequent subject of complaints to AARP, the lobbying group.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal documents, consider the audience to determine how you are using "subject of complaint", as sometimes the word "complaint" may need to be softened by using phrases like "area of concern".

Common error

Avoid constructions that obscure who is making the complaint. Instead of "The project was the subject of complaint", specify who complained: "The clients made the project the subject of complaint".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject of complaint" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the specific issue or matter that is being protested or criticized. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

28%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subject of complaint" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the specific matter or issue that is causing dissatisfaction or formal grievances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news, academic and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful of who is complaining and avoid overuse of passive voice. Alternatives such as "matter of grievance" or "source of contention" can be used for variation, while the choice between "subject of a complaint" and "subject of complaint" depends on whether you are referring to a single instance or the general issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter of grievance

Replaces 'subject' with 'matter' and 'complaint' with 'grievance', altering the specific wording while maintaining the core meaning.

source of contention

Shifts the focus to the contentious nature of the issue, implying disagreement or dispute.

bone of contention

Emphasizes the long-standing nature of the dispute or complaint, suggesting it's a recurring issue.

object of criticism

Highlights the critical aspect of the complaint, focusing on disapproval or fault-finding.

matter of dispute

Indicates that the complaint involves disagreement or argument, often implying a formal process.

area of concern

Downplays the negativity of 'complaint', presenting the issue as something requiring attention or consideration.

point of issue

Focuses on a specific detail or aspect that is being challenged or questioned.

source of dissatisfaction

Replaces 'complaint' with 'dissatisfaction', indicating a feeling of displeasure or discontent.

reason for grievance

Similar to 'matter of grievance' but uses 'reason' to emphasize the justification behind the complaint.

cause for complaint

Highlights the justification or reason that prompted the complaint, suggesting validity.

FAQs

How can I use "subject of complaint" in a sentence?

You can use "subject of complaint" to indicate the topic or issue that is being complained about. For example, "The noise levels were the "subject of complaint" from the residents".

What are some alternatives to "subject of complaint"?

Some alternatives include "matter of grievance", "source of contention", or "object of criticism", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "subject of a complaint" or "subject of complaint"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "subject of complaint" is more concise and commonly used. "Subject of a complaint" might be preferred when referring to a single, specific instance.

What's the difference between ""subject of complaint"" and "cause for concern"?

"Subject of complaint" implies that a formal grievance has been made, whereas "cause for concern" simply indicates a potential problem or worry without necessarily involving a formal complaint.