complain of vs complain about

Both 'complain of' and 'complain about' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Complain of' is more formal and is often used in medical or legal contexts to describe symptoms or issues. On the other hand, 'complain about' is more commonly used in everyday language to express dissatisfaction or annoyance with something.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 388 views

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in formal contexts, especially in medical or legal settings.

"complain of"

Use 'complain of' when describing symptoms, problems, or issues, especially in formal contexts. It is often used in medical or legal settings.

Examples:

The patient complained of chest pain.
The tenant complained of a leak in the ceiling.
The plaintiff complained of breach of contract.
She complained of a headache.
He complained of feeling unwell.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Rhodians sent an embassy to Rome to complain of this aggression, but without effect.
When the husband is more or less recovered, was able to live a normal life and eat, he began to complain of abdominal pain after eating.
Neither visitors nor locals complain of this.
For instance, they might break windows in the winter and complain of inadequate heat.
Dad and Grandpa usually eat them but later complain of belching them up.
Many parents complain of not having watched their children grow up.
A large number of males complain of discomfort and shame when suffering through gynecomastia.
Why do we complain of not being heard?
However, it is sometimes difficult, for we cannot complain of any lack of interest.
A lot of men complain of experiencing the problem of PE.
Lots of men complain of suffering from the situation of PE.
Journalists reporting on religious radicalism often complain of online threats.
Residents and local organisations complain of pollution from untreated industrial effluent.
Teachers did not complain of it.
They complain of Solomon's neglect of them.
We saved your life, and you complain of pain.
At the clinic, you'll complain of migraines.
Other prisoners complain of lice and fleas.
I mean, he didn't complain of a headache or nothing.
My partners complain of the opposite.

Alternatives:

reported
suffered from
experienced

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in everyday language to express dissatisfaction or annoyance with something.

"complain about"

Use 'complain about' when expressing dissatisfaction, annoyance, or grievances with something. It is commonly used in everyday language.

Examples:

She complained about the noisy neighbors.
He complained about the poor service at the restaurant.
The students complained about the unfair test.
They complained about the long wait.
I complained about the cold temperature in the room.

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.

Alternatives:

expressed dissatisfaction with
voiced concerns about
grumbled about

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complain of vs complain about

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