Complaining: Explore Useful Phrases to Complain in English

Talking about Complaints in English

What Are Complaints?

Complaints are expressions of “displeasure or annoyance” in response to an action that is seen by the speaker as unfavorable.

Suppose you want to complain about the pizza you have just ordered because it’s too salty. What are the expressions needed to express and respond to complaints?

Types of Complaints

Understanding the type of complaint can help tailor your response. Common types include:

  • Service-related complaints: Issues with the quality or delivery of service.
  • Product-related complaints: Problems with the quality or functionality of a product.
  • Behavior-related complaints: Concerns about the actions or behavior of individuals.

Complaining – Talking About Complaints

Let’s start with making complaints:

1. Complaining:

Making Complaints

Here are expressions you can use when complaining:

  • I have a complaint to make…
  • Sorry to bother you, but…
  • I’m sorry to say this, but…
  • I’m afraid I’ve got a complaint about…
  • I’m afraid there is a slight problem with…
  • Excuse me, but there is a problem with…
  • I want to complain about…
  • I’m angry about…

Examples:

  • I have a complaint to make: Your pizza is just too salty.
  • I’m sorry to say this, but your food is inedible.
  • I’m afraid I’ve got a complaint about your child. He’s too noisy.
  • I’m afraid there is a slight problem with the service in this hotel.
  • Excuse me, but you are standing on my foot.
  • I want to complain about the noise you are making.
  • I’m angry about the way you treat me.

2. Responding To Complaints

You can respond to complaints in either a positive or negative manner:

Positive responses to complaints:

  • I’m so sorry, but this will never happen again.
  • I’m sorry, we promise never to make the same mistake again.
  • I’m really sorry; we’ll do our utmost/best not to make the same mistake again.

Negative responses to complaints:

  • Sorry, there is nothing we can do about it.
  • I’m afraid there isn’t much we can do about it.
  • We are sorry, but the food is just alright.

Tips for Effective Complaining

Making Complaints
Expressing Complaints in English (For ESL and EFL Students)
  • Be specific: Clearly describe the issue and provide details.
  • Stay calm: Keep your tone polite and avoid getting angry.
  • Suggest solutions: Offer ideas for how the issue can be resolved.
  • Be timely: Raise your complaint as soon as possible after the issue occurs.

Things To Remember About Making Complaints

When expressing a complaint in English, it helps to be polite. Although “I’m angry about your pizza. It’s too salty” is one possible way of expressing a complaint, it is considered too rude. You’d better use more polite expressions if you want to get what you want!

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