verbal complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

"verbal complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a complaint given in spoken words. For example: "The customer had a verbal complaint about the quality of the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In reply, Conservative central office denies all knowledge of any written or verbal complaint.

The Guardian - Opinion

A spokesman for Companies House confirmed that they had received a verbal complaint from Sugden and said that the body is planning to launch an investigation into Southern Union once they receive a written complaint.

The Guardian

"I have never seen a single gay and none have ever brought me a statement, or even a verbal complaint.

Vice

Stephen Box, an independent election administrator for the city's agency that oversees neighborhood councils, said he had received a verbal complaint about the fliers.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Between 1972 and 1985, nine informal verbal complaints and one formal report were made about Savile by his victims.

The Guardian

In the first six months, the police received more than 5,000 written and verbal complaints of abuse.

The Guardian

Asked about the differing statements, a Conservative spokeswoman said they were "not inconsistent" as the party could not find any "record of any verbal complaints" either.

The Guardian

When I complained to the prison that Daniel was deteriorating, I wasn't listened to and the [written] complaints system was inaccessible to him – he can't use his hands – and his verbal complaints weren't addressed.

The Guardian

The Conservatives are under scrutiny about whether they properly investigated verbal complaints about the Conservative election aide Mark Clarke, who is at the centre of allegations of attempted blackmail, bullying and sexual harassment.

The Guardian

The list was put together using the numbers of written or verbal complaints made to library staff and school teachers across the US, in a bid to have the books banned or removed.

The Guardian

Distaste for Google Glass – like distaste for over-loud cellphone gabbing, paparazzi-style photos, or say, playing death metal at a country bar – should stop with verbal complaints.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting complaints, always note whether they were "verbal complaints" or written to ensure accurate record-keeping.

Common error

While both relate to spoken communication, "verbal" refers to the use of words, whereas "oral" refers to the mouth. Ensure you use "verbal" to describe a complaint expressed through words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbal complaint" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a specific type of complaint conveyed through spoken words. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where differentiating between spoken and written complaints is necessary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "verbal complaint" refers to a complaint communicated through spoken words, as opposed to a written one. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it is frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish it from "oral complaint", ensuring that the focus is on the use of words. Alternatives include "spoken grievance" and "voiced concern". Knowing when to use "verbal complaint" can help ensure clarity and accuracy in formal documentation and everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made an oral complaint

Expands the original phrase to include the verb "made", emphasizing the action of complaining.

spoken grievance

Replaces "complaint" with "grievance" and "verbal" with "spoken", emphasizing the expression of dissatisfaction.

oral protest

Uses "protest" instead of "complaint", suggesting a stronger form of objection, while "oral" replaces "verbal".

lodged a verbal objection

Replaces "complaint" with "objection", implying a more formal disagreement and uses "lodged" to specify its introduction.

expressed dissatisfaction

Focuses on the act of expressing dissatisfaction rather than the formal term "complaint", and uses more general wording.

stated objection

Emphasizes the act of stating an objection, using a more formal tone.

expressed a spoken concern

Combines elements to soften the original phrase while maintaining the core meaning.

voiced concern

Replaces "complaint" with "concern", softening the negative connotation.

reported issue

Focuses on reporting a problem or issue, rather than formally complaining.

communicated grievance

Highlights the communication of a grievance, suggesting a formal or official process.

FAQs

What does "verbal complaint" mean?

A "verbal complaint" is a complaint that is communicated through spoken words, rather than in writing. It signifies an issue or concern that is expressed orally to the relevant authority or party.

How is a "verbal complaint" different from a written one?

A "verbal complaint" is communicated orally, whereas a written complaint is submitted in a written format. The key difference lies in the medium of communication; one is spoken, and the other is written.

What are some synonyms for "verbal complaint"?

Alternatives to "verbal complaint" include "spoken grievance", "oral protest", or "voiced concern", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to lodge a "verbal complaint" or a written one?

The choice between a "verbal complaint" and a written one depends on the situation. A written complaint provides a documented record, while a "verbal complaint" might be more appropriate for minor issues or initial expressions of concern. For serious matters, a written complaint is generally preferred.