What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
complainant
Example
The complainant alleged that the defendant had stolen their property. [complainant: noun]
Example
The complainant filed a complaint with the HR department about their supervisor's behavior. [complainant: noun]
Example
The police are seeking information from any potential complainants in the area. [complainant: plural noun]
plaintiff
Example
The plaintiff is seeking damages for the injuries sustained in the accident. [plaintiff: noun]
Example
The plaintiff's lawyer argued that the defendant was responsible for the breach of contract. [plaintiff's: adjective]
Example
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the company for discrimination. [plaintiff: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plaintiff is more commonly used than complainant in everyday language and is versatile enough to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between complainant and plaintiff?
Both complainant and plaintiff are formal terms used in legal contexts. However, plaintiff is more commonly used and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
