complained about headache vs complained of headache

Both "complained about headache" and "complained of headache" are commonly used phrases in English. However, "complained of headache" is more widely accepted and preferred in formal writing. Both phrases convey the same meaning, but "complained of headache" is considered more accurate and idiomatic.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1605 views

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts.

"complained about headache"

This phrase is often used in informal conversations to express someone's discomfort or pain due to a headache. It is less formal than "complained of headache."

Examples:

She complained about a headache all day.
He complained about his headache but refused to take any medicine.

Show examples from the web [+]

Supervisor said nobody complained about him.
This guy would have been complained about.
Someone specifically complained about something that you did.
My mother always complained about my father.
Sergeant Artherton complained about the odour.
Religious minorities in Indonesia have long complained about increasing intolerance.
Someone anonymously complained about my people skills.
Arlene McCarthy (rapporteur) complained about being harassed by lobbyists.
Nongovernmental organisations have complained about the lack of cooperation.
We complained about this before the European Court of Justice.
The people there have never complained about any hostile organism.
Tennison's already complained about you.
Explains why no one complained about the smell.
He always paid on time, never complained about anything.
-And nobody ever complained about him.
Anyway, it only happened once and you complained about being sore for a week afterwards.
The head of a nursing home complained about a rude homicide investigator.
Last time he complained about being caught drunk driving.
Someone's complained about loud music in your room.
- I've complained about it, but...

Alternatives:

complained of headache
complained of a headache
complained of migraines
complained of severe headaches
complained of constant headaches

This phrase is widely accepted and preferred in formal writing.

"complained of headache"

This phrase is more formal and commonly used in written English to indicate someone expressing discomfort or pain specifically related to a headache. It is considered more accurate and idiomatic than "complained about headache."

Examples:

She complained of a headache after a long day at work.
He complained of a headache and took some painkillers.

Show examples from the web [+]

It appears I've complained of headaches recently.
She complained of headaches, which she attributed to recent stress.
Immediately after the collision, many villagers complained of headaches and vomiting.
Which is what your officer did in July, 2009, when Lucas Freeman complained of a headache prior to a seven-hour journey in the back of one of your vans.
The patient complained of a headache and blurry vision before she fainted and hit her head, so I did a complete syncope work-up, which was negative.
She complained of nausea and headache, which would indicate... possible concussion from the fall.
Many pupils complained of coughs and headaches and also mentioned that they were frequently tired and had difficulties concentrating on their lessons.
- She never complained of pain.
He complained of chest pain all night.
On the phone, he complained of chronic sinusitis.
- She complained of feeling chilly.
She'd often complained of his coldness towards her
Years ago, a woman complained of workplace harassment, no one believed her.
The deceased had only complained of experiencing symptoms in situations he considered stressful.
- He complained of chest pains.
This man, in court, complained of puss running from his eardrum.
Yost complained of a weak bladder.
My final point is this: several speakers complained of a lack of conceptual clarity and consistency.
Appeals shall not stay the execution of the decisions complained of.
The IAEA has frequently complained of a lack of co-operation from the DPRK.

Alternatives:

complained about headache
complained of a migraine
complained of severe headaches
complained of constant headaches
complained of head pain

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

complained about headache vs complained of headache