complain about the service

Meaning

This expression means to express dissatisfaction or annoyance regarding the quality of assistance or treatment received at a business, such as a restaurant, hotel, or store. It is a common daily-life phrase used when customer expectations are not met.

Examples

• The food was great, but we had to complain about the service because the waiter was very rude.

  The food was great, but we had to complain about the service because the waiter was very rude.

• I hate to complain about the service, but we have been waiting for our drinks for thirty minutes.

  I hate to complain about the service, but we have been waiting for our drinks for thirty minutes.

• She decided to write an email to the manager to complain about the service.

  She decided to write an email to the manager to complain about the service.

• If customers complain about the service, the restaurant should offer a refund.

  If customers complain about the service, the restaurant should offer a refund.

• He rarely complains about the service, but today was exceptionally bad.

  He rarely complains about the service, but today was exceptionally bad.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She complained for the service at the hotel.

  ✓ She complained about the service at the hotel.

  The correct preposition to use after 'complain' when expressing dissatisfaction with something is 'about'.

• ✗ I want to make a complain about the service.

  ✓ I want to make a complaint about the service.

  'Complain' is a verb. The noun form is 'complaint'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The delivery was three days late, so I had to ___.

  💡 express dissatisfaction with the help received

  Show answer

  complain about the service

• Did you ___ to the front desk?

  💡 report the poor assistance

  Show answer

  complain about the service