Complaint or Complain: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: To decide between complain and complaint, remember that complain is the verb used to express dissatisfaction, while complaint is the noun representing that expression. People often mix them up because the words look similar, but using the correct form depends entirely on whether you need an action word or a thing word in your sentence.
The Short Answer
Complain is a verb used to show dissatisfaction, such as when they complain about noise, whereas complaint is the noun for a formal expression of dissatisfaction. The confusion happens because both words share the same root and describe the same concept, yet one functions as an action and the other as a specific item or statement.
Many writers mistake the noun form for the verb because the words appear identical except for the final letters, leading to errors like 'I made a complain.' Remember that you can say 'I will complain,' but you cannot say 'I will complaint.'
A formal complaint is the written or verbal record of the issue, while the act of voicing that issue is to complain.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Complain | Verb | You are performing the action of expressing dissatisfaction. |
| Complaint | Noun | You are referring to the specific expression or document. |
| Complainant | Noun | You are describing the person who is expressing the dissatisfaction. |
| Complaining | Gerund | You are describing the ongoing action of expressing dissatisfaction. |
Correct Example Sentences
- The customer filed a formal complaint regarding the missing package.
- Please do not complain about the weather during the trip.
- She made a complaint to the manager about the rude service.
- He complained loudly about the delay in his lunch order.
- Your complaint was received and will be reviewed by the team.
- They complain about the high cost of living every month.
- Did you submit a complaint about the incorrect billing?
- I am tired of complaining and just want to solve the problem.
- The hotel received hundreds of complaints from guests yesterday.
- Stop complaining and start working on the project instead.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- I want to file a complain about the delay.
- I want to file a complaint about the delay.
- She complained me about the noise.
- She complained to me about the noise.
- The manager will complain the issue immediately.
- The manager will complain about the issue immediately.
- We received many complains from the clients.
- We received many complaints from the clients.
- He has a problem to complain.
- He has a problem to complain about.
- Please make your complain known to the staff.
- Please make your complaint known to the staff.
A Quick Test You Can Use
You can determine the correct word by checking if you need an action or a thing. If the sentence describes someone doing something to express dissatisfaction, use complain as a verb. If the sentence refers to the written document, the spoken statement, or the general concept of the grievance, use complaint as a noun.
Related Word Pairs
- Advice vs Advise
- Advice is the noun for recommendations, while advise is the verb to give them.
- Affect vs Effect
- Affect is usually the verb for influence, whereas effect is the noun for the result.
- Principal vs Principle
- Principal refers to a school leader or main point, while principle refers to a rule or belief.
- Historical vs Historic
- Historical means related to history, while historic means famous in history.
- Stationary vs Stationery
- Stationary means not moving, while stationery refers to writing paper and supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use complain as a noun?
No, complain is strictly a verb and cannot function as a noun. Using it as a noun, such as saying 'I have a complain,' is grammatically incorrect and should be changed to complaint.
What is the difference between a complaint and a complain?
The difference lies in their grammatical roles. A complaint is the noun representing the grievance itself, while complain is the verb describing the action of expressing that grievance to someone else.
Should I use a complaint or a complain in an email?
In an email, use the noun complaint if you are referring to the message or document you are sending. If you are describing the action of writing the message, you would say you are complaining about the issue.
Is there a formal version of the verb complain?
There is no formal version of the verb complain itself, but you can make the action sound more formal by saying you intend to lodge a formal complaint or submit a formal grievance to the authorities.
