complain about vs complain on

The correct phrase is 'complain about.' 'Complain on' is not a standard English construction when used to express dissatisfaction or criticism. 'Complain about' is the commonly accepted phrase to use when expressing grievances or objections.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1297 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"complain about"

Use 'complain about' when expressing dissatisfaction, criticism, or objections about something or someone.

Examples:

She always complains about the noise in her neighborhood.
He complained about the poor service at the restaurant.
Don't just complain about the problem; try to find a solution.
I can't believe she's still complaining about the same issue.
They complained about the lack of communication from the management.

Show examples from the web [+]

In vain do people complain about being separated from the Subtle World.
Only in America can a homeless kid complain about free pancakes.
If I ever complain about an assignment not being exciting enough...
You complain about her all day long.
All you do is complain about being a victim.
And I can't complain about this.
Look, you can complain about Irina all you like.
I don't complain about this because I'm jealous of David Irving.
I complain about you all the time.
Because your grandmother can't complain about these.
But these associates could complain about any of us.
They complain about my husband being late.
A warrior does not complain about physical discomfort.
Losers only complain about their best.
My son would sometimes complain about backaches and fatigue.
Listening to Buffy complain about her.
Tricia doesn't complain about anything.
Couldn't complain about the take from the gambling tables.
Don't complain about your hair.

This phrase is not a standard English construction for expressing dissatisfaction or criticism.

"complain on"

Show examples from the web [+]

She didn't whimper or complain on the whole trip.
And who is there to complain on behalf of that man?
Firstly, I should like to say that I am not about to complain on behalf of my group about there being fewer proposals.
He complains on the shirt, but his problem is up in the head.
Don't complain, come on. Holidays are sacred.
By its action, the Commission complains of the restrictions on trade resulting from the French legislation relating to technological adjuvants.
You never used to complain about the perfume on my couch before.
The HRW also complains that EU policy on people trafficking is based very much on a law enforcement approach and that the human rights aspect is often forgotten.
It's very efficient, doesn't take breaks, and doesn't complain when I sit on it with no pants.
Well, this morning, before we found Aaron's body, one of those godless non-believers phoned 911 anonymously to complain about what goes on here.
The applicant complains, on the one hand, that the principle of the protection of legitimate expectations is not applicable to the beneficiaries since the Spanish State failed to correctly notify the Commission of Article 12(5) TRLIS.
Any party who is affected and who has a right to complain concerning a decision on methodologies taken pursuant to this Article or, where the
Sixth, the applicant complains that the regulations on the collective mark preclude him from using the European Union logo for organic products in any manner critical of the European Union.
The rooms, When do I ever complain that you experiment on my dog?
YES, I WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ASSISTANTS ON THIS COUNTER.
He then goes on to complain that he was given no opportunity to see or comment on the committee's draft decision and that questions were sent to Lithuania's Chief Public Prosecutor without his knowledge.
When do I complain that you experiment on my dog?
In this regard the Ombudsman is faced with, on the one hand, wanting to inform as many people as possible of this right to complain and, on the other, remembering that the remit of his office is limited to the Community institutions.
Third, the applicant complains that the regulations on the collective mark provide that nobody may use the European Union logo for organic products without being empowered to do so by the bodies designed or recognised in accordance with European Union regulations.
The applicant thereby complains that the Commission infringed essential procedural requirements.

Alternatives:

complain about
express dissatisfaction with
raise concerns about
voice complaints about
lodge a complaint about

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complain about vs complain on

"complain about"

"complain on"

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