complain

/kəmˈpleɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /kəmˈpleɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /kəm-ˈplān/ (ame, mw)

complain — verb

  • complainpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • complainshe / she / it
  • complainedpast simple
  • complaining-ing form

1. to let others know that you are unhappy or annoyed about something, often by say

1.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to let others know that you are unhappy or annoyed about something, often by saying what you think is wrong with it

例句

Several passengers complained to the driver about the delayed train.

complain + to [person] + about [thing]

Yara complained that her new laptop kept freezing during online classes.

complain + that-clause

同義詞
  • grumble

    less formal; suggests expressing annoyance in a low, often repeated way, especially about small things

  • whine

    more negative; suggests an annoying, childish tone of complaint

  • object

    more formal; means to express disagreement or opposition to something specific

反義詞
  • praise

    expressing approval instead of criticism

  • accept

    to be satisfied with a situation rather than objecting to it

文法句型

complain + about + noun/gerund

complain + that-clause

complain + to + person + about + noun/gerund

用法筆記

In this sense, complain does not take a direct object. You complain to someone (the person you tell) and about something (the reason). A that-clause can replace about + noun: 'He complained that the soup was cold' means the same as 'He complained about the cold soup.'

常見錯誤

❌She complained me that the food was cold.
✅She complained to me that the food was cold.
💡The preposition 'to' is needed before the person you are telling.
❌He complained for the poor service.
✅He complained about the poor service.
💡Use 'about' not 'for' when stating the reason for the complaint.
❌I complained him to the manager.
✅I complained to the manager about him.
💡Cannot use a direct object; restructure with 'to' and 'about'.

2. to officially report a problem or unacceptable situation to an organization or p

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to officially report a problem or unacceptable situation to an organization or person in authority, expecting them to take action

例句

Diego complained to the police after someone stole his bicycle from the garage.

complain + to [authority] — formal context

Hana complained to the health department about the restaurant's dirty kitchen.

同義詞
  • protest

    stronger; suggests public or organized opposition, not just reporting

  • report

    more neutral; can be used for any notification to an authority, not just about problems

反義詞
  • commend

    to officially praise someone or something

  • applaud

    to express strong approval publicly

文法句型

complain + to + organization/authority + about + noun

complain + against + person/organization

complain + that-clause (formal)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense implies a formal process — you expect an authority to investigate or resolve the problem. Unlike sense 1, it can be used with against ('complain against the manufacturer'). In written official contexts, lodge a complaint or file a complaint are more common alternatives.

常見錯誤

❌I complained the company for bad service.
✅I lodged a complaint against the company for poor service.
💡The formal sense still cannot take a direct object; 'lodge/file a complaint against' is the standard pattern.
❌He complained to the committee with corruption.
✅He complained to the committee about corruption.
💡Use 'about' (not 'with') for the issue being reported.