We express a complaint when we are dissatisfied with something and want to express our annoyance, dissatisfaction, or concern.

A. Common Expressions of Complaint

Expression	Example
I’m sorry, but…	I’m sorry, but this room is very noisy.
I’m afraid there is a problem.	I’m afraid there is a problem with my order.
I’m not happy with…	I’m not happy with the service.
I’m dissatisfied with…	I’m dissatisfied with the quality of the product.
I’m not satisfied with…	I’m not satisfied with the food.
There is a problem with…	There is a problem with my internet connection.
I have a complaint about…	I have a complaint about the service.
I’d like to complain about…	I’d like to complain about the noise.
This is unacceptable.	This is unacceptable.
It’s too…	It’s too expensive.
It’s not … enough.	The room isn’t clean enough.
I expected better.	I expected better from this restaurant.

2. Making a Complaint Politely

When speaking to a teacher, hotel receptionist, shop assistant, or other person, it is usually better to make a complaint politely.

• Direct complaint: This room is dirty.
• More polite: I’m sorry, but this room isn’t clean enough.
• Formal: I’m afraid there is a problem with the room. I’d like to make a complaint.

3. Useful Grammar Structures

A. I’m not happy/satisfied with + noun

• I’m not happy with the service.
• I’m not satisfied with the product.
• We are dissatisfied with the quality.

B. I’d like to complain about + noun / verb-ing

• I’d like to complain about the noise.
• I’d like to complain about waiting so long.
• She complained about the poor service.

C. There is a problem with + noun

• There is a problem with my room.
• There is a problem with the air conditioning.
• There is a problem with my computer.

D. Too + adjective

Used when something is more than acceptable.

• The room is too small.
• The food is too expensive.
• The music is too loud.

E. Not + adjective + enough

Used when something is less than acceptable.

• The room isn’t clean enough.
• The food isn’t hot enough.
• The service isn’t fast enough.

4. Responding to a Complaint

When someone complains, we can respond politely:

Apologizing	Showing understanding	Offering a solution
I’m sorry about that. I apologize for the problem. I’m really sorry. We apologize for the inconvenience.	I understand your concern. I see what you mean. I understand how you feel.	I’ll look into it. I’ll see what I can do. We’ll fix the problem immediately. Let me see how I can help you.

Example:

Customer: I’m sorry, but there is a problem with my room. It’s too noisy.

Receptionist: I’m very sorry about that. I’ll see what I can do.

Customer: Thank you. I’d appreciate it.