substantial complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or serious issue that someone has raised, often in a formal context such as customer service or legal matters. Example: "The customer filed a substantial complaint regarding the quality of the product they received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The ombudsman has warned that failing to address the significant problems would mean reviews would continue to be "unwieldy, unapproachable and the driver of substantial complaint volumes" for participants.

The Guardian

Step forward Jon Danzig, an investigative journalist with a special interest in the European Union, who had submitted a substantial complaint listing 13 reasons why the Mail's story was inaccurate.

The Guardian

A more substantial complaint is made by David Frum, a former speechwriter for George Bush, who believes his quotes were taken out of context.But, as Andrew Sullivan points out, some of the disgruntled neocons also seem to be upset about the timing of the airing of their grievances.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There have been no credible reports of abuse or substantial complaints about the physical conditions of the detainees.

The New York Times

The popularity of the Tate Modern last year proved that the impact of spectacular architecture can pretty much drown out even the most substantial complaints about exhibitions and collections.

The New York Times - Arts

The readers' editor office was created to resolve substantial complaints and queries from individuals who feel we've breached the Guardian's editorial standards.

The Guardian

British consular officials have reported, after a visit to some British detainees in the jail, that they were being well-treated and had no substantial complaints.

The Economist

GTech spokesman Robert Vincent said, "We have not been made aware of any substantial complaints". The Lockheed Martin arrangement expired last year, but the city kept GTech, paying it more than $1 million since then, without writing a contract or requiring competition.

The Washington Post

David Mitchell, who suffered substantial complaints but no discipline for a joke about Anne Frank on Radio 4, has said that comics now feel that certain jokes are no longer "worth the risk" of being called on to apologise, resign or receive a life-time ban from broadcasting.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In a few cases, the informants explained that the donors would allow regional managers to include their own priorities in the plan after they had received substantial complaints: " This financial year (2010 2011) donors brought a ceiling of 10 million Tanzania shillings and they wanted us to train health workers on male involvement in PMTCT.

BMC Health Services Research

Patients reported substantial motor complaints confirmed by the objective motor disability testings.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial complaint", ensure the context clearly indicates the seriousness and significance of the issue being raised. This phrase is best suited for formal or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial complaint" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "big problem" or "major issue" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial complaint" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "complaint". Ludwig AI's examples show that it's used to describe the significance or seriousness of a complaint.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial complaint" is a noun phrase denoting a serious grievance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in formal contexts. While not overly frequent, it appears in reliable news, media and science sources. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where the complaint is genuinely significant, avoiding it in casual contexts. Alternatives include "significant grievance" or "major issue", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant grievance

Emphasizes the seriousness and importance of the complaint.

Serious allegation

Highlights the gravity of the complaint, often implying wrongdoing.

Major issue

Focuses on the considerable size and impact of the problem.

Grave concern

Emphasizes the worrying nature of the complaint.

Significant concern

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the worry or problem.

Serious problem

Focuses on the gravity and potential consequences of the issue.

Considerable objection

Highlights the significant opposition or disagreement.

Material grievance

Emphasizes that the grievance is relevant and consequential.

Weighty objection

Stresses the importance and impact of the disagreement.

Formidable charge

Highlights the seriousness and potential consequences of the accusation.

FAQs

What does "substantial complaint" mean?

A "substantial complaint" refers to a significant or serious issue that someone has formally raised. It implies that the complaint is not minor or trivial but has considerable weight and importance.

How to use "substantial complaint" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial complaint" in a sentence like this: "The customer filed a "substantial complaint" regarding the defective product they received."

What can I say instead of "substantial complaint"?

You can use alternatives like "significant grievance", "serious allegation", or "major issue" depending on the context.

Is "substantial complaint" formal or informal?

"Substantial complaint" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives like "big problem" or "major issue" might be more appropriate.