Complained About vs. Complained Of

Attribute	Complained About	Complained Of
Definition	Expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about someone or something	Reporting symptoms or issues related to a specific problem or condition
Usage	Typically used in the context of expressing displeasure or criticism towards a person or thing	Commonly used in medical or legal contexts to describe symptoms or issues experienced by a person
Subject	The target of the complaint	The specific issue or symptom being reported
Focus	On the person or thing causing dissatisfaction	On the symptoms or issues being experienced

Definition

Complained about and complained of are two phrases that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. When someone is complained about, it means that someone else is expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance with that person to a third party. On the other hand, when someone is complained of, it means that someone is being accused or suspected of doing something wrong or illegal.

Usage

Complained about is typically used in situations where someone is venting their frustrations or grievances about another person's actions or behavior. For example, "She complained about her coworker's constant tardiness." On the other hand, complained of is used when someone is being accused of something, whether it be a crime, a mistake, or some other wrongdoing. For example, "He was complained of stealing money from the company."

Subject

Complained about is usually followed by a specific person or thing that is the subject of the complaint. This could be a person, a situation, an event, or even an object. For example, "She complained about the noisy neighbors." Complained of, on the other hand, is typically followed by a specific action or behavior that is the subject of the complaint. For example, "He was complained of cheating on the exam."

Formality

Complained about is generally considered to be more informal and casual in nature. It is often used in everyday conversations and interactions. Complained of, on the other hand, is more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts. For example, "The suspect was complained of committing fraud." In this case, complained of is used to indicate a formal accusation.

Legal Implications

Complained about is usually not associated with any legal implications, as it is simply a way of expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance. However, complained of can have legal implications, as it implies that someone is being accused of wrongdoing. This could lead to further investigation, legal action, or other consequences. For example, if someone is complained of stealing, they could face criminal charges.

Emotional Impact

Complained about is often used to express minor annoyances or frustrations, and it may not have a significant emotional impact on the person being complained about. However, complained of can have a much greater emotional impact, as it implies that someone is being accused of something serious. This could lead to feelings of shame, guilt, anger, or other strong emotions. For example, being complained of a crime could have a devastating effect on someone's reputation and well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while complained about and complained of may seem similar on the surface, they actually have distinct meanings and implications. Complained about is used to express dissatisfaction or annoyance with someone or something, while complained of is used to accuse or suspect someone of wrongdoing. It is important to understand the differences between these two phrases in order to use them correctly and effectively in communication.