ENGLISH GRAMMAR
COMPLAIN OF-ABOUT-TO-THAT
The difference between
'complain of', 'complain about', complain to' and 'complain that'.
The verb ‘complain’ means to express discontent, annoyance, discomfort or pain.
We must be careful how to use the verb 'complain' when it is followed by 'of', 'about', 'to' or 'that'.
Here are some examples of use in sentences:
| COMPLAIN OF |
We complain OF an ailment (physical condition) or a problem :
- The patient complained of a pain in his side.
- My mother is complaining of a loss of hearing.
- The employees complained of frequent headaches.
- The tennisman complained of a swollen ankle
after the match.
- The old man has recently been complaining of being tired all the time.
|
| COMPLAIN ABOUT |
We complain ABOUT something (express dissatisfaction; grumble) :
- Many people complain about the weather, the noise, the wind, the traffic …
- The population is complaining about the housing situation.
- Commuters regularly complain about the public transport system.
- The population is complaining about the increasing cost of food.
- Nurses are complaining about the long working hours.
|
| COMPLAIN TO |
We complain TO someone ABOUT something :
- The customer complained to the manager
about the poor service.
- The employee complained to the boss
about being treated unfairly.
- Students complained to the teacher about the date of the English test.
- The manager complain to the supplier about the long delay in delivery.
- A customer complained to the management about the rudeness of the receptionist.
|
| COMPLAIN THAT |
We complain THAT … (something is wrong or unsatisfactory):
- The passenger complained that the seat belt was blocked.
(= The passenger complained about his seat belt.)
- Emily complained that Sam didn’t do his share of the housework.
(= Emily complained about Sam not doing his share.)
- Guests complained that there was no shuttle service to the airport.
(= Guests complained about the lack of a shuttle service.)
- Residents are complaining that the children are too noisy.
(= Residents are complaining about the noisy children.)
- An employee complained that she was not being treated fairly.
(= An employee complained about unfair treatment.)
|
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