withdraw the complaint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withdraw the complaint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone decides to retract or cancel a formal complaint they have made, often in legal or administrative contexts. Example: "After careful consideration, the plaintiff decided to withdraw the complaint against the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I urge the government of Malaysia to withdraw the complaint against her".

The New York Times

It is impossible to pinpoint the reason for Elliott being so keen to withdraw the complaint.

The Guardian

Although the victim decided to withdraw the complaint, Mr. Dunn proceeded with the charges.

The New York Times

Conservative Way Forward has admitted it was also applying pressure on him not to withdraw the complaint.

The Guardian

What is clear is that Elliott is now also feeling pressure from the Conservative party not to withdraw the complaint.

The Guardian

He also admitted making threats to her and her family if she did not withdraw the complaint and accusing her of seducing him.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In connection with the domestic violence however, the review stated Ms O'Connor would usually withdraw the complaints police investigated.

BBC

The team have also withdrawn the complaint made against the Piquets of false allegations and blackmail.

The Guardian - Sport

But by now Elliott is concerned that he is damaging himself reputationally by withdrawing the complaint.

The Guardian

That left executive committee members vulnerable to legal action from Blatter himself, and they withdrew the complaint.

The Guardian - Sport

In 2009, the group withdrew the complaint because, Ms. Smith said, the case was old, several agents had left and Corcoran improved its training.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "withdraw the complaint", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is withdrawing the complaint and why. Providing this context can avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

Common error

Do not assume that withdrawing a complaint automatically resolves the issue. Depending on the severity and context, authorities might still pursue the matter independently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withdraw the complaint" serves as a verb phrase, indicating the action of retracting or canceling a formal accusation or grievance. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "withdraw the complaint" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the action of formally retracting an accusation or grievance. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and even scientific discussions. While there are no inherently common errors, it's important to understand the implications of withdrawing a complaint, as it doesn't automatically guarantee a resolution or prevent further action from other parties. Alternative phrases, such as "drop the charges" or "retract the accusation", may be more suitable depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drop the charges

Focuses specifically on legal charges being abandoned.

retract the accusation

Emphasizes taking back a formal statement of wrongdoing.

rescind the claim

Highlights the cancellation of a formal request or assertion.

abandon the grievance

Stresses the act of giving up on a cause of complaint.

nullify the allegation

Indicates making an accusation legally void.

revoke the lawsuit

Specifically refers to canceling a legal action.

take back the statement

Focuses on retracting something that was said or written.

settle the dispute

Suggests resolving the issue leading to the complaint.

resolve the issue

Implies finding a solution that makes the complaint unnecessary.

quash the indictment

Relates to legally suppressing or invalidating an accusation.

FAQs

What does it mean to "withdraw the complaint"?

To "withdraw the complaint" means to formally retract or cancel a complaint that has already been made. This action effectively terminates the pursuit of the complaint by the person who initiated it.

What are some reasons someone might "withdraw the complaint"?

Reasons for withdrawing a complaint can vary widely. They might include reaching a settlement with the other party, lack of sufficient evidence, fear of retaliation, or simply a change of heart.

What happens after someone "withdraws the complaint"?

Typically, when someone "withdraws the complaint", the formal process initiated by the complaint is halted. However, depending on the situation, legal or regulatory bodies might still investigate the matter independently.

Are there alternatives to "withdraw the complaint" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "drop the charges", "retract the accusation", or "rescind the claim". The best alternative will depend on the specific situation and the nature of the complaint.