complain
B1Neutral to informal. Widely used in everyday and professional contexts; formal equivalents exist (e.g., lodge a complaint).
Definition
Meaning
To express dissatisfaction, annoyance, or unhappiness about something.
To formally make a statement about a problem or fault, especially in a legal, medical, or consumer context. Also, to describe a physical symptom (e.g., complaining of a headache).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on the expression of discontent. Often implies a perceived wrong or injustice. Can be transitive (with 'about' or 'of') or intransitive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant structural differences. UK may use 'make a complaint' slightly more formally; US may use 'file a complaint' in official contexts.
Connotations
Generally similar. Can carry a slightly negative connotation of being whiny or unreasonable in both varieties if overused.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both. US data shows slightly higher usage in legal/corporate contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
complain (intransitive)complain about something/somebodycomplain of something (symptom/pain)complain that + clausecomplain to somebody (about/of something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nothing to complain about”
- “can't complain (as a response to 'How are you?')”
- “complain to high heaven”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To formally notify a company or authority about a faulty product or poor service. (e.g., 'We've had several customers complain about the new software.')
Academic
Used in studies of consumer behaviour, patient reports, or social discourse analysis.
Everyday
The most common context. Expressing annoyance about daily inconveniences. (e.g., 'He's always complaining about the traffic.')
Technical
In law: 'The plaintiff complains...' initiates a legal action. In medicine: 'The patient complains of chest pain.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Residents complained bitterly about the new housing development.
- I need to complain to trading standards about this.
- She's been complaining of a sore knee.
American English
- Customers are complaining loudly about the price hike.
- He threatened to file a complaint with the BBB.
- The patient complained of dizziness upon standing.
adverb
British English
- He spoke complainingly about the decision.
- She sighed complainingly as she looked at the mess.
American English
- He reacted complainingly to the new policy.
- 'This isn't fair,' she said complainingly.
adjective
British English
- He has a very complaining nature.
- A complaining letter was sent to the council.
American English
- She gave me a complaining look.
- We received several complaining phone calls.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children complained they were hungry.
- Please don't complain. It won't help.
- He complained about the cold weather.
- If the service is poor, you should complain to the manager.
- Many people complained that the film was too long.
- She's always complaining about her job.
- Residents have a legitimate right to complain about the noise pollution.
- He complained of feeling a sharp pain in his side.
- Despite the shortcomings, she refrained from complaining publicly.
- The defendant is expected to complain of procedural irregularities during the trial.
- Archaeologists often complain that their field is chronically underfunded.
- She complained vociferously that the new regulations stifled innovation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone complaining about the RAIN while standing under a PLAIN umbrella that doesn't work: COMPLAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLAINING IS A PHYSICAL BURDEN/VENTING ('He's always carrying on', 'She vented her frustration').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'to complain' for 'to regret' (жалеть).
- Russian 'жаловаться' often implies a more formal plea, while 'complain' can be casual grumbling.
- Careful with 'complain of' vs 'complain about': 'of' for symptoms/pains, 'about' for general grievances.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'complain for' (use 'about' or 'of').
- Wrong tense in reported speech: 'He complained that the food is cold' (should often be 'was' cold).
- Using intransitively without context: 'She complains' (needs 'about something' or is understood from context).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'complain' correctly in a medical context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Complain about' is for general grievances (noise, service, behaviour). 'Complain of' is typically used for stating symptoms, pains, or formal allegations (e.g., 'complain of chest pain', 'the document complains of several breaches').
Mostly, as it expresses discontent. However, in phrases like 'can't complain' or 'nothing to complain about', it can be neutral or positive, meaning things are satisfactory.
Yes, intransitively: 'Stop complaining!' or 'If you have a problem, complain.' It is also used with a 'that' clause: 'She complained that the room was dirty.'
The noun is 'complaint'. 'To make a complaint' is slightly more formal than 'to complain'. 'Complaint' can also refer to the reason for complaining ('My main complaint is...') or a medical ailment ('a chest complaint').