English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced Book with Answers and Enhanced eBook Vocabulary Reference and Practice 3rd Edition

find fault (with)
criticise or complain about even small mistakes
fault-finding
grumble (about)
complain in a quiet but angry way
grumble
gripe (about)
to complain continuously; 
informal
gripe
grouse (about)
to complain, usually often; 
informal
grouse
whinge (about)
complain persistently; 
informal
whinge, whingeing
Common
 
mistakes
The verb 
object to
is followed by a noun, a pronoun or an 
-ing
form of a verb. Don’t use the base form 
of a verb: 
I 
object to being
 made to wait here for an hour before seeing the Principal 
(NOT object to be 
made).
A
B

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Exercises
153
English Vocabulary in Use Advanced
Where would you be more likely to hear these statements, in informal or more formal 
situations? Mark them I or F. How might the same idea be conveyed at the other end of 
the scale of formality?
1 Look here! I’ve just about had enough of your rudeness! 
2 I am writing to remonstrate against some injustices in your regulations. 
3 You’ve got to do something about the state of your desk. 
4 I wish to complain about the poor facilities at the station. 
5 You can’t possibly come here not wearing a tie. 
6 This behaviour is most unsatisfactory. 
7 The lack of toilet facilities for disabled people is shameful. 
8 The delay in completing my order is simply unacceptable. 
Complete each of these sentences with one word.
1 What’s Jodie whingeing 
now?
2 We 
great exception to the proposed plans.
3 They objected loudly to 
forced to sit on the floor because there were no chairs.
4 He’s always writing letters to the newspaper, finding fault 
something or other.
5 Something will have to be 
about traffic problems in the city.
6 I wish people 
talk loudly on their phones when I’m on the train.
7 This standard of work just won’t 
!
8 You would be 
advised to start looking for another job.
9 I heard her remonstrating 
a police officer about the road being closed.
10 I’m tired of hearing you constantly moaning. Enough is 
!