they complained that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they complained that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when someone expresses displeasure, frustration, or disappointment about something. For example: "They complained that the new policy was unfair and would not benefit their department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They complained that they were hungry.

The New York Times - Style

They complained that they were underequipped and needed more ammunition.

The New York Times

In Berlin, they complained that Germany was getting short shrift.

The Guardian

They complained that the noise made it hard to think.

The New York Times

They complained that it didn't matter what they did".

The New York Times - Magazine

They complained that they were being pushed and pulled.

The Guardian - Sport

They complained that a special election would be expensive.

The New York Times

They complained that he talked too often about the Bible.

The New York Times

"They complained that it would interrupt their golf games".

The New York Times

They complained that the federal government wasn't giving them enough money.

The Economist

And they complained that moderate Republicans were failing to speak up to avert catastrophe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "protested" or "objected" if you want to emphasize the intensity of the disagreement. On the other hand, consider more moderate alternatives like "mentioned" or "noted" if you want to soften the tone.

Common error

While "they complained that" is acceptable, overuse can lead to passive voice. Ensure your writing remains engaging by varying sentence structure and using active voice where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they complained that" serves as a reporting clause, introducing a statement expressing dissatisfaction or grievance. Ludwig AI examples show that this phrase is primarily used to convey negative feedback or objections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they complained that" is a versatile and frequently used expression for reporting dissatisfaction or objections. Grammatically sound and commonly found in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communication, it provides a clear indication of a group's unhappiness or grievance. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, writers should vary sentence structure to avoid passive voice and choose synonyms carefully to reflect the precise intensity of the complaint. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, solidifying its place in standard English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they objected that

This alternative indicates a formal expression of opposition.

they protested that

This alternative emphasizes a stronger form of disagreement or objection.

they argued that

This alternative focuses on presenting reasons for disagreement or dispute.

they grumbled that

This alternative suggests a less formal and often quieter expression of discontent.

they griped that

This alternative implies a grumbling complaint, often habitual.

they lamented that

This alternative conveys a sense of sorrow or regret in their expression of complaint.

they moaned that

This alternative suggests a low, mournful sound expressing discomfort or unhappiness.

they asserted that

This alternative highlights a firm statement of their viewpoint or concern.

they whined that

This alternative indicates a childish or annoying way of complaining.

their grievance was that

This alternative focuses on the reason for their complaint, presenting it as a source of injustice.

FAQs

How can I use "they complained that" in a sentence?

You can use "they complained that" to report a group's dissatisfaction. For instance, "They complained that the service was slow" indicates the customers were unhappy with the speed of service.

What are some alternatives to "they complained that"?

Alternatives include "they protested that", "they objected that", or "they argued that", depending on the context and the intensity of the complaint.

Is "they complained that" formal or informal?

"They complained that" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the specific verb choice can influence the overall formality.

What's the difference between "they complained that" and "they stated that"?

"They complained that" implies dissatisfaction, while "they stated that" is a neutral way of reporting information. Use "they complained that" when the group is expressing unhappiness or disagreement, and use "they stated that" when simply reporting their words.