What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grievance
Example
She filed a grievance with her employer over the unfair treatment she received. [grievance: noun]
Example
He had a legitimate grievance against the company for not providing adequate safety equipment. [grievance: adjective]
protest
Example
The students organized a protest against the proposed tuition fee increase. [protest: noun]
Example
They protested peacefully outside the courthouse to demand justice for the victim. [protested: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Protest is more commonly used than grievance in everyday language. Protest is a versatile word that can cover a wide range of contexts, while grievance is less common and typically used in formal settings such as workplaces or legal proceedings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grievance and protest?
Grievance is usually associated with a formal tone and is often used in legal or workplace contexts. In contrast, protest can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and the level of intensity required.