Complain vs. Make a Complaint – Which is Correct?

Both “complain” and “make a complaint” are grammatically correct and widely used in American English to express dissatisfaction. The key difference lies in their grammatical function: “complain” is a verb, directly describing the action, while “make a complaint” uses the noun form “complaint” alongside the verb “make,” often implying a more formal or structured process.

Complain or Make a Complaint – Which is Correct?

Both “complain” and “make a complaint” are correct ways to express the act of voicing dissatisfaction or expressing a grievance. The choice between them often depends on the desired nuance, formality, and grammatical structure of the sentence. “Complain” functions as a verb, directly signifying the action of expressing discontent. For instance, “She decided to complain about the noisy neighbors.” In contrast, “make a complaint” is a verb phrase that uses the noun “complaint” with the verb “make.” This construction often implies a more deliberate, formal, or official act of registering dissatisfaction, such as “He needed to make a formal complaint to the airline.”

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, focus on the core grammatical role. Think of “complain” as the action itself, like run or talk. If you are performing the action of expressing dissatisfaction, use “complain.” Think of “complaint” (as in “make a complaint”) as the object or thing that is created or presented, like a decision or a suggestion. If you are producing or submitting a formal statement of dissatisfaction, you “make a complaint.”

Word/Phrase	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Complain	Verb	To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.	“The customers began to complain about the long wait.”
Make a complaint	Verb Phrase (Verb + Noun)	To formally or informally express dissatisfaction, often implying an official report or statement.	“After the incident, she decided to make a complaint to human resources.”

How to Use Complain

“Complain” is an intransitive verb, meaning it typically does not take a direct object. Instead, it is often followed by a prepositional phrase, most commonly “about” or “of,” to indicate the subject of the dissatisfaction. While it can be used in casual conversation, it can also describe serious grievances. The tone can vary from mild grumbling to strong protest.

Example 1: “He always complains about the weather, no matter what season it is.”

Example 2: “Despite their efforts, the team continued to complain of exhaustion.”

Example 3: “If you have a legitimate issue, you should complain directly to the management.”

What are the different forms of Complain?

As a regular verb, “complain” follows standard conjugation patterns:

• Base form: complain
• Past tense: complained
• Past participle: complained
• Present participle: complaining
• Third person singular present: complains

For example: “I complain,” “You complained,” “They were complaining,” “He complains.”

Etymology of the word Complain

The word “complain” originated from the Old French verb “complaindre,” meaning “to lament, bewail, complain.” This, in turn, came from the Latin “complanctare,” which meant “to bewail loudly” or “to beat one’s breast.” The sense of expressing grief or pain evolved into expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

How to Use Make a Complaint

“Make a complaint” is a verb phrase where “make” is the main verb and “complaint” is the direct object, acting as a noun. This construction often carries a slightly more formal or official connotation than simply “complain.” It suggests the act of creating or submitting a formal statement of dissatisfaction, whether written or verbal. The noun “complaint” can be modified by adjectives (e.g., “a formal complaint,” “a serious complaint,” “a written complaint”) to add more detail.

Example 1: “The customer decided to make a complaint after receiving the damaged product.”

Example 2: “You can make a complaint online through the company’s website.”

Example 3: “The union representative helped the employee to make a formal complaint against their supervisor.”

What are the different forms of Make a Complaint?

In the phrase “make a complaint,” the verb “make” is conjugated, and the noun “complaint” can be pluralized:

• Verb forms of “make”:
  • Base form: make
  • Past tense: made
  • Past participle: made
  • Present participle: making
  • Third person singular present: makes
• Noun forms of “complaint”:
  • Singular: complaint
  • Plural: complaints

Examples: “I make a complaint,” “She made a complaint,” “They are making complaints,” “He makes a complaint every week.”

Etymology of the word Make a Complaint

The etymology of “make a complaint” combines the origins of its individual words. “Make” comes from the Old English “macian,” meaning “to fashion, construct, produce.” “Complaint” originates from the Old French “complainte,” a noun form derived from “complaindre,” meaning “a lament, a grievance.” Thus, “make a complaint” literally means to produce or formulate a grievance or expression of dissatisfaction.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts helps to clarify the distinction and appropriate usage of “complain” and “make a complaint.”

• Verb vs. Noun: This is the fundamental difference. A verb describes an action or state of being (e.g., “to complain”), while a noun names a person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., “a complaint”). Recognizing their distinct roles is crucial for correct sentence construction.
• Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs: A transitive verb requires a direct object to complete its meaning (e.g., “make” in “make a complaint” is transitive because “complaint” is its object). An intransitive verb does not require a direct object (e.g., “complain” is often used intransitively, as in “she complained loudly”).

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The customer, clearly agitated, began to complain loudly about the slow service and cold food.” – Adapted from a restaurant review, June 2026.
• “If you wish to make a complaint regarding the recent policy changes, please fill out the form provided on our website.” – From a corporate memo, June 2026.
• “Despite his repeated efforts to complain, his concerns about the faulty equipment were continuously ignored.” – From a technical manual forum, June 2026.
• “The consumer advocacy group encouraged everyone affected to make a complaint to the regulatory body.” – From a news report on consumer rights, June 2026.
• “He found it easier to grumble privately than to openly complain in front of the whole group.” – From a contemporary novel.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word or phrase to complete the sentence.

1. She decided to _________ about the excessive noise to her landlord.
2. The company provides a clear process for clients to _________ a formal _________.
3. Rather than just _________, he took action and documented his concerns.
4. The passenger threatened to _________ a _________ if the flight was delayed again.
5. It’s important to _________ politely, even when you are very upset.

Answer Key

1. complain
2. make, complaint
3. complain
4. make, complaint
5. complain

Complain Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Grumble	To complain or protest about something in a bad-tempered but usually muted way.
Gripe	To express a minor complaint; to grumble (informal).
Protest	To express an objection to or disapproval of something.
Whine	To utter a long, high-pitched cry or sound, typically one expressing or implying pain or unhappiness.
Bemoan	To express discontent or sorrow over (something).

Synonyms for “Complaint” (as in “make a complaint”)

Synonym	Definition
Grievance	A real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest, especially unfair treatment.
Objection	An expression or feeling of disapproval or opposition; a reason for disagreeing.
Protest	A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
Petition	A formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause.
Cavil	An objection or a trivial objection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When should I use “complain” versus “make a complaint”?
Use “complain” when you want to emphasize the action of expressing dissatisfaction directly. It’s often more general. Use “make a complaint” when you want to emphasize the creation or submission of a formal or structured statement of dissatisfaction, often implying a process or document.

Question 2: Is “make a complaint” more formal?
Generally, yes. “Make a complaint” tends to sound more formal or official because it uses the noun “complaint,” which can be modified by adjectives like “formal,” “written,” or “official.” While “complain” can be used in formal contexts, it is also perfectly common in casual speech.

Question 3: Can I use “lodge a complaint” instead of “make a complaint”?
Yes, “lodge a complaint” is a very common and often more formal synonym for “make a complaint.” It means to formally submit or register a complaint, particularly with an authority or official body. Other similar phrases include “file a complaint” or “register a complaint.”

Conclusion

Both “complain” and “make a complaint” are correct and useful expressions in English, each serving a distinct grammatical and contextual purpose. “Complain” is the verb, directly describing the act of expressing dissatisfaction, while “make a complaint” uses the noun “complaint” to refer to the formal statement or instance of dissatisfaction. Understanding this distinction allows for precise and effective communication.

Pro Tip: When expressing dissatisfaction, consider the context and your intent. Using “make a formal complaint” often conveys a more serious and actionable intent, which can be crucial for maintaining a professional reputation and ensuring your concerns are addressed appropriately.