How to Complain in English: 10+ Direct & Indirect Expressions

We usually make a complaint to express our unhappiness or dissatisfaction with something or someone. Below are a number of expressions you can use to make a complaint, accept a complaint or reject a complaint.

Complaint Definition

A complaint is a statement that someone makes saying that they are not satisfied with something. This can be it a service, a noise,etc.

Making Complaints in English.

Complaint Example

Here is a complaint example in a restaurant.

A: I’m sorry to this, but the meat isn’t well-cooked. (Making a complaint)

B: I can’t tell you how sorry we are. (Accepting a complaint)

How to complain/Making a complaint

The expressions below are ordered from formal (indirect/ How to complain plitely) to less formal (direct).

How to make a complaint

• I’m afraid I have a complaint about ………
•  I’m sorry to bother/ trouble you, but …..
•  I’m sorry to have to say this, but ……….
• I’m sorry to say this, but …………

• I understand it’s not your fault, but……..
• Excuse me but there is a problem about……
• I’d like to complain about ……..
•  I want to complain about ……..
• I’m angry about ……
• I’m really not happy…

Accepting a complaint

• I’m so sorry, but this will never happen again.
• I can’t tell you how sorry I am.
• Oh dear. I’m really/ terribly awfully sorry.

• Oh, dear. I’m really sorry. I promise this will never happen again.
• I just don’t know what to say.
• I’m really sorry. We’ll do our best not to make the same mistake again.

Rejecting a complaint

• Sorry, there isn’t much we can do about it/ that.
• Well, I’m sorry there is nothing we can do about it.
• I’m afraid, there isn’t much we can do about it.
• I’m sorry but the meat is just alright.

Expressions to apologize and respond to apologies

How to complain about a problem video