What is complain? Pronunciation and usage in English

complain means . Learn how to pronounce and use complain through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of complain

complainverb

/kəmˈpleɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of complain

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "complain" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to do it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /kəˈpleɪn/ (This is the most precise way to represent the sound)

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • com: Pronounced like "come" – /kə/ (short “uh” sound)
  • plain: Pronounced like "plain" – /ˈpleɪn/ (rhymes with “day”)

3. How to Say it Aloud:

  1. Start with the "come" sound: Say “come” – /kə/.
  2. Add the “plain” sound: Then, smoothly transition into the “plain” sound – /ˈpleɪn/. It’s a single, connected syllable.

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("plain"). This is what makes the word stand out.
  • Linking: The “come” and “plain” sounds flow together. Don’t really separate them.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some options:
    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce complain" on Google. You’ll often find audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/complain/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "pronounce complain" on YouTube.

Let me know if you’d like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly.
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "complain."

Usage and examples with the word complain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "complain" in English. It’s a very common word, but it can have slightly different shades of meaning depending on the context.

1. Basic Definition:

  • To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. This is the core meaning. You're telling someone (or sometimes just letting someone know) that you’re not happy with something.

2. Different Ways to Use "Complain":

  • As a Verb (Action): This is the most common use.

    • Example: "I complain about the noise in the morning." (You’re expressing your annoyance about the noise.)
    • Example: "She complained to the manager about the poor service." (She voiced her dissatisfaction to the manager.)
    • Example: "Don't complain! It's not that difficult." (Stop expressing dissatisfaction.)

  • As a Noun (The act of complaining):

    • Example: "He is always complaining about his job." (Referring to the action of complaining.)
    • Example: "There was a lot of complaining about the weather." (Referring to the group of people expressing dissatisfaction)

  • Phrases and Expressions with "Complain":

    • "Complain about...": This is very common. "I complain about the traffic." "She complained about the food."
    • "Complain to...": This suggests formally voicing your dissatisfaction to someone in authority or customer service. “I complained to the airline about the lost luggage.”
    • "Complain bitterly/loudly/etc.": These intensify the complaint – you’re expressing dissatisfaction strongly. "He complained bitterly about the delay."
    • "Don’t complain!": A strong expression telling someone to stop their complaining.
    • "Whine" (similar but often weaker): "Whining" is often used for slightly more childish or persistent complaints – complaining in a way that is irritating. (e.g., "The child was whining about not getting a toy.") “Complain” is generally considered a more serious word.

3. Levels of Formality:

  • "Complain" is generally a fairly neutral word. It’s suitable for most situations.
  • You can make it sound more formal by using phrases like "express dissatisfaction" or "register a complaint."
  • “Whine” is generally considered less formal.

4. Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Customer Service: "I’d like to complain about the broken product I received."
  • Workplace: “My colleague is always complaining about the workload.”
  • Family: “Don’t complain about having to do the dishes!”
  • Everyday Conversation: "I complain that it’s raining when I want to go for a walk."

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Express dissatisfaction
  • Object
  • Criticize
  • Dispute
  • Lament
  • Grumble (often implies a quiet, low complaint)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use "complain" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word complain

Practice with vocabulary complain

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The customer called to ________ about the poor service at the restaurant.
  2. She decided to ________ to the manager regarding the delay in her order.
  3. He was so frustrated that he started to ________ about the constant noise next door.
  4. Instead of resolving the issue, the employee continued to ________ about the workload.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best fits this sentence? "The passengers began to ________ about the delayed flight."
    a) complain b) praise c) celebrate d) ignore
  2. Choose the correct word(s): "The team leader encouraged employees to ________ if they faced any issues."
    a) complain b) discuss c) ignore d) resolve
  3. Which word is NOT appropriate? "She decided to ________ about the faulty product she received."
    a) complain b) report c) compliment d) return
  4. Select the best word: "He chose to ________ rather than seek a solution to the problem."
    a) complain b) explain c) accept d) ignore
  5. Which word fits this context? "The neighbors often ________ about the loud music late at night."
    a) complain b) whisper c) discuss d) ignore

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "The customer expressed dissatisfaction with the product."
    Rewrite: "The customer decided to ________ about the product."
  2. Original: "She voiced her concerns about the lack of support."
    Rewrite: "She chose to ________ about the lack of support."
  3. Original: "He protested against the unfair treatment."
    Rewrite: "He ________ about the unfair treatment."

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. complain
  2. complain
  3. protest
  4. grumble

Exercise 2:

  1. a) complain
  2. a) complain, b) discuss
  3. c) compliment
  4. a) complain
  5. a) complain

Exercise 3:

  1. The customer decided to complain about the product.
  2. She chose to complain about the lack of support.
  3. He protested against the unfair treatment.

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