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complaints

B1 noun (plural) #18 most common 12 min read

complaints

Top 18

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips complaints in 30 Seconds

Explanation complaints in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'complaints' is a word you use when you want to say you are not happy. Think of it as the plural of 'complaint'. When you go to a restaurant and the food is cold, you might have a complaint. If the food is cold AND the waiter is mean, you have two complaints. It is a noun. You can 'have' complaints or 'make' complaints. For example: 'I have no complaints' means 'I am happy.' It is a very useful word for basic travel and shopping. You might hear it at a hotel or a shop. Remember, 'complaints' is for more than one problem. If you only have one problem, say 'complaint'. We use 'about' after it. 'I have complaints about the room.' It is a simple way to tell people that something is wrong. At this level, don't worry about the big legal meanings. Just think of it as 'saying something is bad.'

At the A2 level, you should know that 'complaints' are things people say or write when they are dissatisfied. You will often see this word in customer service situations. For example, 'The shop received many complaints about the broken toys.' You can also use it to talk about your health. If you go to the doctor, you might have 'complaints' like a sore throat or a headache. It is important to remember that 'complaints' is a noun. The verb is 'complain'. So, you say 'I complain' (verb) but 'I have many complaints' (noun). Common phrases include 'make a complaint' or 'file a complaint.' If you are happy with everything, you can say 'I have no complaints at all.' This is a common way to be polite. You might also hear about a 'complaints department' in a big store. This is the place where you go if you have a problem with something you bought.

At the B1 level, 'complaints' refers to formal or informal expressions of dissatisfaction. You should be able to use it in a variety of contexts, such as work, health, and daily life. In business, 'handling complaints' is an important skill. It means listening to what is wrong and trying to fix it. You might say, 'We need to deal with these customer complaints quickly.' In a medical context, 'complaints' are the symptoms a patient describes. For example, 'The patient's main complaints were fatigue and joint pain.' You should also be aware of common collocations like 'legitimate complaints' (real, fair problems) or 'frequent complaints' (problems that happen often). You can also use 'complaints' to describe a person's habit: 'She is always full of complaints.' This means she is always finding things to be unhappy about. It's a versatile noun that helps you describe negative feedback or physical symptoms clearly.

At the B2 level, 'complaints' takes on more formal and specific meanings. In legal terms, a 'complaint' is a formal statement that starts a lawsuit. When there are many, we refer to them as 'complaints.' You should also understand the nuance between 'complaints' and similar words like 'grievances' or 'objections.' A 'grievance' is often a more serious, formal complaint, usually in a workplace setting. 'Complaints' can be about anything from the weather to a major corporate failure. You will often see 'complaints' used in the passive voice in news reports: 'Numerous complaints were filed against the company for misleading advertising.' You should also be comfortable using it with a range of adjectives like 'strenuous,' 'bitter,' or 'unfounded.' For example, 'The board dismissed the complaints as unfounded.' This level of usage shows you understand the weight and the formal implications of the word in professional and public discourse.

At the C1 level, you should recognize 'complaints' as a key term in administrative, legal, and medical jargon. It is not just about being unhappy; it is about the formal process of articulating dissatisfaction. In medical literature, 'presenting complaints' is the standard term for the symptoms that lead a patient to seek help. In legal contexts, 'complaints' are the foundational documents of civil litigation, detailing the plaintiff's claims. You should also be able to use the word metaphorically or in complex sentence structures. For example, 'The mounting complaints served as a clear indicator of the systemic failures within the organization.' Here, 'complaints' is a data point for analysis. You should also understand the social dynamics of complaining—how 'complaints' can be a form of social bonding or a tool for political change. Using the word with precision, such as distinguishing between 'consumer complaints' and 'regulatory complaints,' is expected at this level.

At the C2 level, 'complaints' is understood within the broadest possible framework of rhetoric, law, and social science. You might analyze the 'discourse of complaints' in a corporate culture or the 'legal weight of complaints' in international law. The word is seen as a formal mechanism for accountability. You would use it in highly sophisticated ways, such as: 'The sheer volume of complaints necessitated a comprehensive overhaul of the judicial review process.' You are also aware of the historical etymology, coming from the Old French 'complainte,' and how its meaning has evolved from a 'lament' or 'song of sorrow' to a structured legal and commercial term. At this level, you can navigate the subtle differences between 'complaints,' 'remonstrances,' 'petitions,' and 'indictments.' You understand that 'complaints' are not just negative feedback but are essential components of a functioning democracy and a transparent market, acting as a primary feedback loop for institutional health.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

complaints in 30 Seconds

Complaints are plural nouns used to express dissatisfaction or report problems in various contexts like business, law, and medicine.
Commonly used with verbs like 'make', 'file', and 'handle', and prepositions like 'about', 'against', and 'of'.
In a medical context, complaints refer to the symptoms a patient describes to a healthcare professional.
In legal contexts, complaints are formal documents that initiate a lawsuit by detailing the plaintiff's grievances.

The word complaints is the plural form of the noun 'complaint'. At its core, it refers to expressions of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment. When we talk about complaints, we are usually referring to a formal or informal statement where someone points out that something is not right, not working, or not acceptable. In a business context, complaints are the lifeblood of customer feedback, representing a gap between what was promised and what was delivered. In a medical context, complaints refer to the symptoms or ailments a patient describes to a doctor, such as 'chief complaints' like a headache or nausea. Understanding complaints requires looking at them not just as 'whining,' but as a vital communication tool used to seek redress, improvement, or help.

Formal Context: A written document submitted to a court or a regulatory body detailing legal grievances.
Customer Service: Feedback from clients regarding poor service, faulty products, or delayed shipping.
Medical Field: The specific symptoms or reasons a patient seeks medical attention.

People use the term 'complaints' in various social layers. In everyday life, you might hear someone say they have 'no complaints,' meaning they are satisfied with their current situation. Conversely, a manager might say they are 'dealing with a backlog of complaints,' indicating a period of high stress and operational failure. The word carries a weight of negativity, but it is also associated with the right to quality and the expectation of standards. Without complaints, organizations would never know where they are failing, and individuals would have no voice against injustice. It is a word that bridges the gap between a problem and its potential solution.

Despite the high price of the tickets, there were several complaints about the poor sound quality at the concert venue.

The hospital staff is trained to record all patient complaints accurately to ensure proper diagnosis.

We have received numerous complaints regarding the new software update causing system crashes.

If you have any complaints about the food, please speak to the manager immediately.

The neighbor's constant complaints about the noise eventually led to a police visit.

Furthermore, the word is used to describe a habitual tendency to find fault. Someone who is 'full of complaints' is seen as a pessimist or a difficult person. In this sense, it describes a character trait rather than a specific event. However, in professional settings, the focus is on the content of the complaints rather than the person making them. Effective management involves filtering these complaints to find actionable data. Whether it is a tenant's complaints about a leaky roof or a citizen's complaints about local government spending, the word implies a call to action. It is the verbalization of a standard that has not been met, making it a critical component of social and professional accountability.

Using 'complaints' correctly involves understanding its role as a countable noun and its typical collocations. It often follows verbs like 'make,' 'file,' 'lodge,' 'receive,' or 'handle.' For instance, you 'make a complaint' (singular) or 'handle multiple complaints' (plural). The prepositions that follow are also crucial: you have complaints about a situation, against a person or organization, or of a specific physical symptom. The versatility of 'complaints' allows it to fit into highly formal legal documents as well as casual dinner table conversations. When used in the plural, it suggests a recurring issue or a widespread sentiment among a group of people.

Verb + Complaints: To lodge complaints, to dismiss complaints, to investigate complaints, to address complaints.
Adjective + Complaints: Frequent complaints, legitimate complaints, formal complaints, minor complaints, bitter complaints.
Prepositional Phrases: Complaints about the weather, complaints against the police, complaints of chest pain.

In a sentence, 'complaints' usually acts as the direct object of a verb or the subject of a passive construction. For example, 'The complaints were reviewed by the board.' This shifts the focus from who complained to the complaints themselves. In professional emails, you might see phrases like 'We value your complaints as they help us improve.' This is a polite way of acknowledging dissatisfaction. In contrast, in a more aggressive or defensive tone, one might say, 'I am tired of your constant complaints,' which focuses on the repetitive and annoying nature of the act. The plural form 'complaints' often implies a cumulative effect, suggesting that the problem is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern.

The department has a strict protocol for filing formal complaints against staff members.

Most of the complaints we receive are related to the long waiting times in the lobby.

She had no complaints about her stay at the hotel, praising the staff for their efficiency.

The lawyer listed several complaints in the lawsuit, ranging from breach of contract to negligence.

Despite his complaints of exhaustion, he continued to work through the night.

When writing about complaints, it is also helpful to consider the intensity. 'Vigorous complaints' or 'strenuous complaints' suggest a high level of emotion or effort behind the dissatisfaction. On the other hand, 'muttered complaints' suggest a more private or suppressed form of unhappiness. In academic or technical writing, 'complaints' might be replaced by more specific terms like 'discrepancies' or 'non-conformities,' but in general English, 'complaints' remains the most common and widely understood term for any form of expressed unhappiness with a state of affairs.

You will encounter the word 'complaints' in almost every sector of public and private life. One of the most common places is in the world of commerce. Every large company has a 'Complaints Department' or a 'Customer Complaints' division. Here, the word is used to categorize the incoming stream of issues that need resolution. You'll hear it in news reports when a group of citizens files 'complaints' against a local council or a corporation for environmental damage. In these scenarios, 'complaints' signifies a collective voice seeking justice or change. It is also a staple of the legal system, where 'filing complaints' is the first step in many civil lawsuits.

In the Workplace: HR departments handle employee complaints regarding working conditions or harassment.
In Healthcare: Doctors ask, 'What are your main complaints today?' to identify symptoms.
In the News: Reports on 'consumer complaints' rising due to inflation or poor product quality.

In the medical field, the usage is slightly different but equally common. When a patient visits a clinic, the nurse or doctor will record their 'presenting complaints.' This doesn't mean the patient is being 'whiny'; it is the technical term for the symptoms the patient is experiencing. You might hear a doctor say, 'The patient presents with complaints of persistent cough and fatigue.' This usage is highly professional and objective. Similarly, in a legal context, a 'complaint' is a formal legal document that starts a lawsuit. When multiple people are involved, they are 'complaints' that the court must adjudicate. Hearing this word in a courtroom or a law office carries a very serious, structured meaning.

The airline's social media page was flooded with complaints after the mass cancellations.

The ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints against government agencies.

We need to analyze these complaints to see if there is a common theme in the product failures.

The tenant's complaints about the lack of heating were ignored by the landlord for months.

The restaurant manager personally handled the complaints regarding the slow service on Saturday night.

Socially, 'complaints' are heard in the breakroom at work, in queues at the supermarket, and on online forums. Websites like Yelp or TripAdvisor are essentially platforms for public complaints and praises. In these digital spaces, 'complaints' can go viral, affecting the reputation of a business overnight. Because of this, 'complaint management' has become a massive field in digital marketing and PR. Whether it's a whisper in a hallway or a headline in a newspaper, 'complaints' are the primary way humans signal that their expectations have not been met and that they desire a change in their environment or experience.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing the noun complaints with the verb complain. For example, saying 'I have many complain' is incorrect; it should be 'I have many complaints.' Conversely, 'I am complaints about the noise' is wrong; it should be 'I am complaining about the noise.' The 't' at the end of 'complaint' is the signal that it is a noun. Another common mistake involves the use of prepositions. Many people use 'complaints for' when they should use 'complaints about' or 'complaints regarding.' For instance, 'complaints for the service' is less natural than 'complaints about the service.'

Noun vs. Verb: Incorrect: 'He made a complain.' Correct: 'He made a complaint.' / 'He complained.'
Preposition Errors: Incorrect: 'Complaints to the food.' Correct: 'Complaints about the food.'
Plurality: Using 'complaints' when only one issue exists can sound exaggerated. Use 'complaint' for a single issue.

Spelling is another area where mistakes occur. Because the verb is 'complain' (no 't'), learners often forget the 't' in the noun form 'complaint' and its plural 'complaints.' It is also common to see 'compliants' (which looks like 'compliant,' meaning obedient) instead of 'complaints.' These two words have opposite meanings in many contexts! Furthermore, the pronunciation of the 'ai' sound in 'complaints' should be a long 'a' (/eɪ/), and the 's' at the end is pronounced like a /s/ or sometimes a soft /z/ depending on the following word, but the 't' must remain audible to distinguish it from the verb form 'complains' (he/she/it complains).

Incorrect: I want to file a complain about my room. (Should be: complaint)

Incorrect: There are many compliants from the customers. (Should be: complaints)

Incorrect: He complaints every day. (Should be: complains - verb form)

Incorrect: The complaints of the manager were ignored. (Ambiguous: did the manager complain, or were people complaining about the manager? Use 'complaints about' for clarity.)

Incorrect: I have no complaint about the service. (Grammatically okay, but 'no complaints' is the standard idiom.)

Finally, watch out for the 'double plural' error where learners might say 'many complaints of problems.' While grammatically possible, it is often redundant. Simply saying 'many complaints about the service' is more direct. Also, be careful with the word 'grievances.' While similar, 'grievances' usually refers to more serious, long-standing, or formal issues, often in a labor or human rights context. Using 'complaints' for a major human rights violation might sound too light, while using 'grievances' for a cold cup of coffee sounds too dramatic. Choosing the right level of 'complaint' is key to effective communication.

While 'complaints' is the most common term, English offers a variety of synonyms that carry different nuances and levels of formality. Understanding these can help you be more precise in your writing and speaking. For example, 'grievances' is often used in formal or legal contexts, especially regarding labor disputes or unfair treatment. 'Objections' is used when someone disagrees with a specific plan or statement, often in a meeting or a courtroom. 'Protests' implies a more public or forceful expression of dissatisfaction, often involving a group of people. On the more informal side, words like 'grumbles,' 'moans,' or 'gripes' suggest a less serious, perhaps more habitual or annoying type of complaining.

Grievances: Formal complaints about a wrong or hardship suffered, often in a workplace.
Objections: Expressions of opposition or disagreement with a proposal or action.
Gripes: Informal, minor complaints that are often repetitive or trivial.

In a medical context, 'complaints' are symptoms. You wouldn't say a patient has 'grievances' of a headache; you would say they have 'complaints' or 'symptoms.' In a legal context, a 'complaint' is a specific document, and 'allegations' might be a more precise word for the claims made within that complaint. If you are looking for a more positive spin, you might use 'feedback' or 'suggestions for improvement.' This is very common in modern business environments where 'complaints' are viewed as 'opportunities to excel.' However, if the situation is serious, 'feedback' might sound like an understatement, and 'complaints' or 'formal charges' would be more appropriate.

The union representative presented a list of grievances to the management during the strike.

I have a few objections to the proposed budget for the next quarter.

Stop your moaning and get back to work!

The company received a lot of negative feedback about the new logo design.

The allegations against the CEO were serious enough to warrant an investigation.

When choosing an alternative, consider the 'register' or the level of formality. If you are writing a letter to a company, 'complaints' is perfectly fine. If you are talking to a friend about a bad movie, 'gripes' or 'moans' might be better. If you are in a high-level business meeting, 'concerns' or 'issues' might be more diplomatic. For example, 'I have some concerns about the timeline' sounds more professional than 'I have complaints about the timeline.' By varying your vocabulary, you can control the tone of your message and ensure it is received in the way you intended.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In the 14th century, a 'complaint' was often a literary poem in which the speaker laments their state, often due to unrequited love. It wasn't until later that it took on its modern legal and medical meanings.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəmˈpleɪnts/

US /kəmˈpleɪnts/

The stress is on the second syllable: com-PLAINTS.

Rhymes With

paints saints faints quaints restraints constraints acquaints taints

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 't' as a 'd'.
Dropping the 't' entirely, making it sound like the verb 'complains'.
Using a short 'a' sound instead of the long 'ay'.
Adding an extra vowel sound between 'n' and 't'.
Stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context but requires distinguishing from the verb.

Writing 4/5

Spelling and preposition use can be tricky for learners.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but 't' must be clear.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'complains' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

problem bad say happy service

Learn Next

grievance dissatisfaction resolution ombudsman litigation

Advanced

remonstrance indictment malfeasance non-compliance redress

Grammar to Know

Noun vs. Verb Distinction

Use 'complaint' (noun) for the thing and 'complain' (verb) for the action.

Prepositional Use with 'About'

We usually have complaints 'about' a situation or object.

Prepositional Use with 'Against'

We file complaints 'against' a person or an organization.

Prepositional Use with 'Of'

In medicine, we talk about complaints 'of' a symptom (e.g., complaints of pain).

Plural Agreement

Since 'complaints' is plural, use 'are', 'were', or 'have' (e.g., 'The complaints were many').

Examples by Level

I have no complaints about the hotel.

No tengo quejas sobre el hotel.

Plural noun used with 'no'.

Do you have any complaints?

¿Tienes alguna queja?

Question form using 'any'.

The food was good, so no complaints!

La comida estaba buena, ¡así que no hay quejas!

Short idiomatic expression.

He has many complaints about his car.

Él tiene muchas quejas sobre su coche.

Used with 'many' for countable plural.

Write your complaints here.

Escriba sus quejas aquí.

Imperative sentence.

There are no complaints from the students.

No hay quejas de los estudiantes.

'There are' with plural noun.

She made three complaints today.

Ella hizo tres quejas hoy.

Using a specific number.

Small complaints are normal.

Las quejas pequeñas son normales.

Adjective modifying the noun.

The customer service desk handles all complaints.

El mostrador de atención al cliente gestiona todas las quejas.

Present simple with a plural object.

I want to make some complaints about the noise.

Quiero presentar algunas quejas sobre el ruido.

Using 'make' as the verb.

We received five complaints this morning.

Recibimos cinco quejas esta mañana.

Past simple with a plural noun.

Are there any complaints about the new schedule?

¿Hay alguna queja sobre el nuevo horario?

Interrogative with 'any'.

The doctor listened to my complaints.

El médico escuchó mis quejas.

Medical context for symptoms.

Please send your complaints to this email address.

Por favor, envíe sus quejas a esta dirección de correo electrónico.

Polite request.

He had several complaints about the service.

Él tuvo varias quejas sobre el servicio.

Using 'several' to indicate a few.

The manager is busy with customer complaints.

El gerente está ocupado con las quejas de los clientes.

Prepositional phrase 'with complaints'.

The company has a policy for dealing with complaints.

La empresa tiene una política para tratar las quejas.

Gerund 'dealing with' followed by the noun.

Most complaints are about the delivery time.

La mayoría de las quejas son sobre el tiempo de entrega.

Subject of the sentence.

She filed formal complaints against her neighbor.

Ella presentó quejas formales contra su vecino.

Adjective 'formal' and preposition 'against'.

The patient had complaints of dizziness and nausea.

El paciente tenía quejas de mareos y náuseas.

Medical usage with 'of'.

We aim to resolve all complaints within 24 hours.

Nuestro objetivo es resolver todas las quejas en un plazo de 24 horas.

Infinitive 'to resolve' with plural object.

Despite the complaints, the project continued.

A pesar de las quejas, el proyecto continuó.

Using 'despite' to show contrast.

The website has a section for user complaints.

El sitio web tiene una sección para quejas de los usuarios.

Compound noun 'user complaints'.

They ignored my complaints for a long time.

Ignoraron mis quejas durante mucho tiempo.

Past simple with plural object.

The board dismissed the complaints as groundless.

La junta desestimó las quejas por carecer de fundamento.

Formal verb 'dismissed' and adjective 'groundless'.

There has been a surge in complaints regarding the new law.

Ha habido un aumento en las quejas con respecto a la nueva ley.

Present perfect with 'surge in'.

The ombudsman is investigating complaints of corruption.

El defensor del pueblo está investigando quejas de corrupción.

Present continuous with a specific type of complaint.

He voiced his complaints during the public meeting.

Él expresó sus quejas durante la reunión pública.

Using 'voiced' as a more formal verb than 'said'.

The airline apologized for the numerous complaints it received.

La aerolínea se disculpó por las numerosas quejas que recibió.

Adjective 'numerous' and relative clause.

Legitimate complaints should always be addressed promptly.

Las quejas legítimas siempre deben ser atendidas con prontitud.

Passive voice with modal 'should'.

The lawsuit contains several complaints of breach of contract.

La demanda contiene varias quejas de incumplimiento de contrato.

Legal context for the noun.

Her complaints were met with indifference by the staff.

Sus quejas fueron recibidas con indiferencia por el personal.

Passive construction 'were met with'.

The report highlights systemic complaints within the police force.

El informe destaca quejas sistémicas dentro del cuerpo de policía.

Adjective 'systemic' indicating a widespread issue.

The patient presented with vague complaints of malaise.

El paciente se presentó con quejas vagas de malestar general.

Medical jargon 'presented with' and 'malaise'.

The sheer volume of complaints overwhelmed the small team.

El puro volumen de quejas abrumó al pequeño equipo.

Using 'sheer volume' for emphasis.

They are seeking redress for their complaints through the courts.

Están buscando reparación para sus quejas a través de los tribunales.

Formal phrase 'seeking redress'.

The complaints were categorized by severity and urgency.

Las quejas fueron categorizadas por gravedad y urgencia.

Passive voice with categorization.

Public complaints often serve as a catalyst for political change.

Las quejas públicas a menudo sirven como catalizador para el cambio político.

Abstract noun usage.

The company's failure to act on complaints led to a PR disaster.

El fracaso de la empresa al no actuar ante las quejas llevó a un desastre de relaciones públicas.

Complex sentence structure with 'failure to act'.

The auditor noted several complaints regarding financial irregularities.

El auditor notó varias quejas con respecto a irregularidades financieras.

Professional context with 'irregularities'.

The jurisprudence surrounding consumer complaints is constantly evolving.

La jurisprudencia que rodea las quejas de los consumidores está en constante evolución.

Academic/Legal term 'jurisprudence'.

The complaints were dismissed as a frivolous attempt to stall the merger.

Las quejas fueron desestimadas como un intento frívolo de retrasar la fusión.

Advanced vocabulary: 'frivolous', 'stall', 'merger'.

A meticulous analysis of the complaints revealed a pattern of negligence.

Un análisis meticuloso de las quejas reveló un patrón de negligencia.

Advanced adjectives and nouns.

The administration's response to the complaints was criticized as being merely performative.

La respuesta de la administración a las quejas fue criticada por ser meramente performativa.

Sophisticated critique using 'performative'.

The treaty provides a mechanism for state-to-state complaints.

El tratado proporciona un mecanismo para quejas entre estados.

International relations context.

The proliferation of online complaints has fundamentally altered brand management.

La proliferación de quejas en línea ha alterado fundamentalmente la gestión de marca.

Using 'proliferation' and 'fundamentally altered'.

The complaints, though vociferous, failed to sway the committee's decision.

Las quejas, aunque vociferantes, no lograron influir en la decisión del comité.

Advanced adjective 'vociferous' and verb 'sway'.

The ombudsman's report was a scathing indictment of how complaints were handled.

El informe del defensor del pueblo fue una acusación mordaz sobre cómo se manejaron las quejas.

Metaphorical use of 'indictment'.

Common Collocations

file complaints

handle complaints

formal complaints

legitimate complaints

frequent complaints

complaints procedure

medical complaints

voice complaints

resolve complaints

backlog of complaints

Common Phrases

no complaints

— Everything is fine; I am satisfied.

How is the new job? No complaints so far!

full of complaints

— Always finding things to be unhappy about.

He's always full of complaints about his life.

a litany of complaints

— A long and tedious list of problems.

She presented a litany of complaints to the manager.

lodge a complaint

— To make a formal statement of dissatisfaction.

I would like to lodge a complaint against the driver.

grounds for complaint

— A valid reason to be unhappy or take action.

The lack of safety equipment gave us grounds for complaint.

chief complaints

— The primary symptoms a patient describes to a doctor.

The patient's chief complaints were chest pain and shortness of breath.

consumer complaints

— Issues raised by buyers about products or services.

Consumer complaints about the new phone are rising.

dismiss complaints

— To decide that complaints are not valid or important.

The judge dismissed the complaints due to lack of evidence.

bitter complaints

— Expressions of deep and angry dissatisfaction.

There were bitter complaints about the unfair treatment.

subject to complaints

— Likely to receive or be the target of complaints.

The noisy construction site is subject to frequent complaints.

Often Confused With

complaints vs complains

This is the third-person singular verb (e.g., 'He complains'). 'Complaints' is the plural noun.

complaints vs compliant

This is an adjective meaning 'obeying rules.' It sounds similar but has a very different meaning.

complaints vs compliments

This is the opposite of complaints; it means saying something nice.

Idioms & Expressions

"can't complain"

— Used to say that things are going well or are acceptable.

Life is good, I can't complain.

informal

"air one's grievances"

— To express one's complaints publicly or formally.

The meeting was a chance for everyone to air their grievances.

neutral

"a slap in the face"

— An action that is seen as an insult or a reason for complaint.

The small bonus was a slap in the face after all our hard work.

informal

"squeaky wheel gets the grease"

— The person who complains the loudest gets the most attention.

I kept calling them until they fixed it; the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

informal

"bone of contention"

— A subject that causes constant complaints or arguments.

The parking space is a constant bone of contention between the neighbors.

neutral

"vent one's spleen"

— To express one's anger or complaints very forcefully.

He used the blog to vent his spleen about the government.

informal/literary

"cry wolf"

— To complain or raise an alarm when there is no real problem.

If you keep crying wolf, no one will listen to your real complaints.

neutral

"make a mountain out of a molehill"

— To make a major complaint about a very small problem.

It's just a small scratch; don't make a mountain out of a molehill.

informal

"pick a bone with someone"

— To have a complaint to discuss with someone.

I have a bone to pick with you about the mess in the kitchen.

informal

"sing a different tune"

— To change one's opinion or stop complaining after a change in situation.

He complained about the car until he drove it; now he's singing a different tune.

informal

Easily Confused

complaints vs complaint

Singular vs. Plural.

Use 'complaint' for one issue and 'complaints' for two or more. 'Complaints' is also used as a general category.

I have one complaint about the price, but many complaints about the quality.

complaints vs complain

Noun vs. Verb.

'Complain' is the action you do. 'Complaints' are the things you have or make. You cannot 'have a complain'.

If you complain (verb), the manager will listen to your complaints (noun).

complaints vs grievance

Synonyms with different registers.

A 'grievance' is more formal and usually related to a violation of rights or a workplace rule. 'Complaints' are more general.

The union filed a grievance, but the customers just made complaints.

complaints vs symptom

Medical context.

In medicine, 'complaints' are what the patient *says* they feel. 'Symptoms' is the broader medical term for these signs.

The patient's complaints included pain, which is a common symptom of the flu.

complaints vs objection

Disagreement vs. Dissatisfaction.

An 'objection' is a specific reason for not liking a plan. A 'complaint' is a general expression of being unhappy with something.

I have no complaints about the hotel, but I have an objection to the new tax.

Sentence Patterns

I have [number] complaints.

I have two complaints.

There are complaints about [noun].

There are complaints about the food.

He made complaints against [person/org].

He made complaints against the company.

The complaints were [adjective].

The complaints were found to be legitimate.

Despite the [adjective] complaints, [clause].

Despite the numerous complaints, the policy remained unchanged.

The [noun] of complaints [verb] [noun].

The proliferation of complaints necessitated a judicial review.

Patient presents with complaints of [symptom].

Patient presents with complaints of severe headache.

To file/lodge a series of complaints.

They lodged a series of complaints with the local council.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I have many complain. → I have many complaints.
You must use the plural noun 'complaints' after 'many'. 'Complain' is a verb.
He complaints about everything. → He complains about everything.
In this sentence, you need the third-person singular verb 'complains' (no 't'). 'Complaints' is a noun.
My complaints for the food was ignored. → My complaints about the food were ignored.
Use the preposition 'about' for dissatisfaction. Also, 'complaints' is plural, so use 'were' instead of 'was'.
She is a very compliant person. → She makes many complaints.
Learners often confuse 'compliant' (obedient) with 'complaints' (dissatisfaction). They are nearly opposites in some contexts.
The patient's complaints of the head. → The patient's complaints of a headache.
In a medical context, 'complaints of' should be followed by a specific symptom, not just a body part.

Tips

Be Professional

When writing formal complaints, use clear, objective language. Instead of saying 'The service was terrible,' say 'The service did not meet the expected standards.' This makes your complaints more likely to be taken seriously.

Noun vs. Verb

Always check if you need the action (complain) or the thing (complaint). If you can put 'the' or 'my' in front of it, you need the noun 'complaint' or 'complaints'.

Softening Complaints

If you want to be polite in English, soften your complaints with phrases like 'I'm afraid I have a few complaints...' or 'I'm sorry to bring this up, but...'. This is very common in British culture.

Use Synonyms

To avoid repeating 'complaints' in a long report, use synonyms like 'issues,' 'concerns,' or 'grievances' depending on the context. This makes your writing more sophisticated.

Be Specific

In a medical context, 'complaints' should be as specific as possible. Instead of 'stomach complaints,' say 'sharp pains in the upper abdomen' to help the doctor.

Formal Filing

Remember that 'filing complaints' in a legal sense is a serious step. Ensure you have evidence to support each of the complaints you are making.

Avoid Over-complaining

While it's important to voice legitimate complaints, being 'full of complaints' can alienate friends and colleagues. Balance your complaints with positive feedback.

Context Clues

If you hear 'complaints' in a news report, it often refers to a collective group of people. If you hear it in a doctor's office, it refers to a single person's symptoms.

Feedback Loop

View customer complaints as free market research. They tell you exactly what is wrong with your product without you having to pay for a survey.

The 'T' Rule

Remember: Complain (verb) + T = Complaint (noun). The 'T' stands for 'Total' or 'Thing'. This will help you avoid spelling errors.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think: 'A complainT is a Thing.' The 'T' at the end of 'complaint' (and 'complaints') tells you it's a noun, not the verb 'complain'.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'Complaints Box' overflowing with letters. Each letter is a 'complaint', and together they are 'complaints'.

Word Web

Customer Service Problem Feedback Symptoms Legal Lawsuit Grievance

Challenge

Write three sentences using 'complaints' in three different contexts: medical, legal, and customer service.

Word Origin

The word 'complaints' comes from the Old French word 'complainte', which is the feminine past participle of 'complaindre'. This, in turn, comes from the Vulgar Latin 'complangere'.

Original meaning: In its earliest forms, it meant a 'lamentation' or a 'song of mourning'. It was a poetic expression of sorrow rather than a legal or commercial claim.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French > English.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'complaints' to describe people; calling someone 'full of complaints' can be an insult.

In the UK, 'complaints' are often preceded by an apology. In the US, they are seen as a direct business transaction.

Portnoy's Complaint (novel by Philip Roth) The Complaints (novel by Ian Rankin) The 'Complaints' department in Monty Python's Dead Parrot sketch.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Customer Service

I'd like to make a complaint.
How do I file a complaint?
We take your complaints seriously.
The complaints department is on the second floor.

Medical Clinic

What are your main complaints?
The patient has complaints of back pain.
List all your physical complaints.
Are there any other complaints?

Legal Office

The legal complaints were filed yesterday.
We are reviewing the complaints in the lawsuit.
Are these formal complaints?
The court dismissed the complaints.

Workplace/HR

Employee complaints are handled by HR.
He has a history of making complaints.
We need to address these workplace complaints.
The union representative voiced our complaints.

Daily Life

No complaints here!
I have a few complaints about the weather.
Stop your complaints and help me.
She is always full of complaints.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever had to make any serious complaints about a product you bought?"

"What are the most common complaints people have about public transport in your city?"

"How do you usually handle it when someone has complaints about your work?"

"Do you think people make too many complaints nowadays, or are they just standing up for their rights?"

"What would be your chief complaints if you were staying in a very bad hotel?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had legitimate complaints but chose not to say anything. Why did you stay silent?

Imagine you are a manager. How would you create a system to handle customer complaints fairly and quickly?

Reflect on the phrase 'no complaints.' What does a life with truly no complaints look like to you?

Describe a situation where someone's complaints actually led to a positive change in your community.

Write a formal letter containing three specific complaints about a fictional service you recently used.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'complaints' usually refer to something negative. However, in business, they are seen as positive opportunities to improve service. In medicine, they are necessary information for a diagnosis. So while the content is negative, the function can be constructive.

'Make a complaint' is more general and can be spoken or written. 'File a complaint' usually implies a more formal, written process, such as filling out a form or starting a legal action.

No, that is incorrect. You must use the noun form 'complaints' after 'many'. The correct sentence is 'I have many complaints.'

The 's' is pronounced as a voiceless /s/ sound because it follows the voiceless /t/ sound. It sounds like the end of the word 'cats'.

Use 'complaints of' primarily in medical contexts for symptoms (e.g., 'complaints of dizziness'). Use 'complaints about' for general dissatisfaction with things or services (e.g., 'complaints about the noise').

Yes, it is countable. You can have one complaint, two complaints, or many complaints. This is why we can use it with numbers and words like 'several' or 'few'.

It is a specific section of a company or organization dedicated to receiving and resolving issues raised by customers or clients.

No, 'complaints' is strictly a noun. The verb form is 'complain' (I complain, you complain) or 'complains' (he/she/it complains).

It is an idiomatic way of saying 'I am happy' or 'Everything is fine.' If someone asks 'How are you?' and you say 'No complaints!', it means you are doing well.

These are the main reasons a patient has come to see the doctor. They are the most important symptoms that need to be addressed first.