What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grievance
Example
The employees filed a grievance against the company for not providing adequate safety equipment. [grievance: noun]
Example
She had a legitimate grievance against her landlord for not fixing the leaky faucet. [grievance: noun]
Example
He expressed his grievance with the way the project was being managed. [grievance: noun]
gripe
Example
I don't mean to gripe, but could you please turn down the music? [gripe: verb]
Example
She always seems to have a new gripe about her job every day. [gripe: noun]
Example
His constant griping about the weather was starting to get on my nerves. [griping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gripe is more commonly used than grievance in everyday language. Gripe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while grievance is less common and typically used in formal or legal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between grievance and gripe?
Grievance is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while gripe is more casual and informal, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
