Complaning vs. Complaining — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 31, 2024
"Complaning" is the incorrect spelling, while "Complaining" is the correct spelling referring to the act of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Complaning or Complaining
How to spell Complaining?
Complaning
Incorrect Spelling
Complaining
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Use mnemonic: "It's a comPLAIN when someone is grumbling."
Picture someone "comPLAINing" about a plain, dull party.
Remember "plain" is in "complain" and needs the 'a'.
Think of the word "complaint" which has the same beginning.
Visualize the word "complain" followed by "-ing."
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How Do You Spell Complaining Correctly?
Incorrect: Complaning about the noise, he decided to call the police.
Correct: Complaining about the noise, he decided to call the police.
Incorrect: He kept complaning about the weather every day.
Correct: He kept complaining about the weather every day.
Incorrect: She was complaning that her coffee was too cold.
Correct: She was complaining that her coffee was too cold.
Incorrect: My friend won't stop complaning about his homework.
Correct: My friend won't stop complaining about his homework.
Incorrect: I overheard someone complaning about the service at the restaurant.
Correct: I overheard someone complaining about the service at the restaurant.
Complaining Definitions
The act of expressing displeasure or discontent.
Her constant complaining exhausted her friends.
Voicing objection or criticism.
He kept complaining about the cold.
Demonstrating dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
The students were complaining about the new rule.
Making a grievance known to someone.
She went to the manager, complaining about the service.
Indicating unhappiness or disapproval.
There's no use complaining if you won't suggest a solution.
To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge; file a complaint.
Present participle of complain
The act by which someone complains; a complaint.
Uttering complaints. Opposite of uncomplaining.
Expressing pain or dissatisfaction of resentment;
A complaining wife
Complaining Meaning in a Sentence
Complaining about homework doesn't make it go away.
Tom stopped complaining once he saw the new playground.
She was complaining about her seat at the concert because she couldn't see the stage.
The customer started complaining as soon as the waiter approached.
After complaining about the heat, he turned on the air conditioner.
Complaining won't solve our problems, taking action will.
The coach told the team that complaining about the referee's call wouldn't change the outcome.
Complaining about the weather, they decided to stay indoors.
My sister is always complaining about having to do chores.
Every morning, he starts complaining about having to wake up early.
Sarah is complaining about her broken laptop again.
Complaining about the traffic, she decided to take a different route.
She kept complaining about missing her favorite TV show.
After complaining about the noise, they moved to a quieter table.
Without complaining, she accepted the challenge.
Complaining about the rules, he learned to adapt.
The whole class was complaining about the test being too hard.
They spent the evening complaining about their jobs.
Instead of complaining, she offered a solution.
Complaining about the service, they asked to speak to the manager.
Complaining about the cold, he put on another sweater.
Complaining about the food, he decided to cook for himself.
He avoided complaining about the mistake and fixed it instead.
He's complaining about his new phone being too complicated.
Whenever she starts complaining, I try to change the subject.
Complaining Idioms & Phrases
A complaining tongue reveals an ungrateful heart
Complaining often shows a lack of appreciation.
Even though it was raining, Jake enjoyed the hike without a complaining tongue, showing his grateful heart.
Complaining is not a strategy
Expressing dissatisfaction is not a plan of action.
The coach reminded the team that complaining is not a strategy for winning.
Complaining to the choir
Expressing complaints to people who already agree or are aware of the issue.
Talking about the need for environmental conservation at the eco-club was like complaining to the choir.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Complaining?
"Complain."
Which conjunction is used with Complaining?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on the context.
Why is it called Complaining?
Derived from the word "complaint," it refers to expressing dissatisfaction.
Which vowel is used before Complaining?
"i" as in "much complaining."
Is Complaining a negative or positive word?
Generally perceived as negative.
What is the pronunciation of Complaining?
/kəmˈpleɪnɪŋ/.
What is the root word of Complaining?
"Complain."
Is Complaining an abstract noun?
Yes, it refers to an activity or process, making it abstract.
What is the singular form of Complaining?
Complaining is singular; it doesn’t have a traditional singular form.
What is the plural form of Complaining?
Complainings (rarely used).
Which preposition is used with Complaining?
"About" as in "complaining about something."
Is the Complaining term a metaphor?
No, not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically.
Is the word Complaining a gerund?
Yes, it is a gerund.
How many syllables are in Complaining?
Three.
What is the first form of Complaining?
Complain.
What is the stressed syllable in Complaining?
The second syllable, "plain."
What is another term for Complaining?
Grousing or grumbling.
Which determiner is used with Complaining?
Any determiner can be used depending on the context: "this," "that," "my," "our."
Which article is used with Complaining?
Both "a" and "the" can be used, depending on the context.
Is Complaining an adverb?
No, it’s not an adverb.
Is Complaining a vowel or consonant?
Complaining is a word, not a single letter.
Is Complaining a collective noun?
No, it's not a collective noun.
Is the word “Complaining” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be a direct object. E.g., "I hate complaining."
What is the second form of Complaining?
Complained.
What is the third form of Complaining?
Complained.
Is Complaining a noun or adjective?
As used here, it's a gerund and functions as a noun.
Is Complaining a countable noun?
It's typically uncountable, but in some contexts, "complainings" might be used.
Is the word Complaining imperative?
No, it's not imperative.
How do we divide Complaining into syllables?
Com-plain-ing.
What part of speech is Complaining?
Noun (specifically, a gerund).
What is the opposite of Complaining?
Praising or appreciating.
How is Complaining used in a sentence?
"People are always complaining about the weather, no matter what it's like."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
