C2
complain vs criticize vs grumble vs moan
The difference
| Word | Meaning | Goes with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| complainverb/kəmˈpleɪn/ | Meaning To say that you are not happy about something. | Goes with — | Example Several guests complain about the noise from the street every night. |
| criticizeverb/ˈkrɪt.ə.saɪz/ | Meaning to say what you think is wrong or bad about someone or something | Goes with criticize someone for | Example Many people criticized the mayor for ignoring the flood warnings. |
| grumbleverb/ˈɡrʌm.bəl/ | Meaning to complain about something in a quiet but annoyed way | Goes with grumble about | Example My dad grumbles about the traffic every single morning. |
| moanverb/moʊn/ | Meaning to complain in an annoying way, especially about small things (British) | Goes with moan about | Example He's always moaning about the traffic, but he won't take the bus. |
Which word fits?
1 of 8Pick the word for the gap. Its form may change in the sentence.
The old man loudly when the bus arrived late again.