to complain about

USAGE SUMMARY

"to complain about" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate the act of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. Example: She always finds something to complain about, whether it's the weather or the food.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Really nothing to complain about!

HuffPost

But there is nothing to complain about.

The New Yorker

"But it's nothing to complain about".

The New York Times - Sports

"He always found something to complain about".

The New York Times

So they like to complain about everything".

Independent

Really, there's little to complain about.

The New York Times

What did I have to complain about?

The Guardian

Not much to complain about here.

The New York Times - Arts

And they have much to complain about.

The New York Times

His admirers find nothing to complain about.

The Economist

Conservatives love to complain about journalism.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to complain about", ensure the subject of the complaint is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "They like "to complain about" everything", be specific: "They like "to complain about" the service and the prices".

Common error

Avoid using "to complain about" without specifying the subject of the complaint. Vague complaints can be confusing and unhelpful. Always provide context or details about what is being complained about to ensure clarity and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to complain about" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically acts as a verb complement or part of a larger verbal phrase. It expresses the action of voicing dissatisfaction regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to complain about" is a versatile and frequently used expression for voicing dissatisfaction or concerns. Ludwig AI affirms its correct grammatical standing and wide applicability across various contexts, although it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the subject of the complaint. While alternatives such as "to object to" or "to express dissatisfaction with" exist, "to complain about" remains a common and acceptable choice. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and broad usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to grumble about

Replaces "complain" with a synonym suggesting a low, rumbling expression of discontent.

to protest against

Focuses on expressing strong objection or disapproval, often publicly.

to object to

Highlights a formal expression of disagreement or opposition.

to find fault with

Emphasizes the act of discovering imperfections or weaknesses.

to gripe about

Uses a more informal term for complaining, suggesting a nagging or persistent complaint.

to lament over

Indicates expressing sorrow or regret, often with a sense of mourning.

to whine about

Suggests a high-pitched, irritating complaint, often childish or self-pitying.

to express dissatisfaction with

A more formal and general way of indicating unhappiness or disappointment.

to raise objections to

Focuses on formally presenting reasons for disagreement or opposition.

to kick up a fuss about

An informal expression indicating a noisy or disruptive complaint.

FAQs

How can I use "to complain about" in a sentence?

You can use "to complain about" to express dissatisfaction or grievance regarding a particular subject. For example, "Customers often "to complain about" long waiting times".

What are some alternatives to "to complain about"?

Alternatives include "to object to", "to protest against", or "to express dissatisfaction with", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "to complain about" and "to whine about"?

"To complain about" is a general expression of dissatisfaction, whereas "to whine about" suggests a more irritating, high-pitched, and often childish complaint.

When is it appropriate to use "to complain about" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "to complain about" in various contexts, from formal reports to informal discussions, as long as the complaint is relevant and constructive. However, avoid using it in overly formal contexts where more professional terms like "to raise concerns about" may be more suitable.