Can't complain.
B1
Everyday Phrase
Informal
Common
Meaning
An informal reply meaning that things are fine or quite good.
When to use it
People say "can't complain" to friends, neighbours or colleagues who ask how they are or how things are going. It's informal and common in small talk. It's less suitable in formal reports or serious conversations about problems.
Example Sentence
Can't complain, really. Work is going well.
Grammar & structure
Can't complain. = I can't complain. You can add about + a noun or verb-ing to name the topic.
✓ Correct
Can't complain. How about you?
Work's going well, so I can't complain.
I can't complain about the hotel—the room's lovely.
✗ Incorrect
I can't complain my new flat.
I can't complain about the weather is sunny.
Leaving out "I" is normal in speech. The phrase sounds relaxed and positive, but not very excited.
How to reply
Similar expressions
Not bad.
Another relaxed reply that means things are fairly good.
Pretty good, thanks.
A little more openly positive; common when someone asks how you are.
I'm doing well, thanks.
More neutral and suitable in both friendly and more formal conversations.
Common mistakes
✗ I can't complain about to work here.
✓ I can't complain about working here.
After "about", use the -ing form of a verb, not "to" + verb.
✗ Can't complain my holiday.
✓ Can't complain about my holiday.
Use "about" before the thing you are talking about.
Dialogue
Two neighbours meet outside their flats after work.
Maya
Hi, Ben! How's your week going?
Ben
Can't complain. Work's been quiet, and I've had time to cook.
Maya
Nice! What have you been making?
Ben
Mostly pasta. Nothing fancy. How about your week?
Maya
Pretty good, thanks. My sister's visiting.
Ben
Oh, lovely. Enjoy your time together!
Complete the conversation
1. A: Can't complain. I've had a really nice week.
B: ___
2. A: Hey! How are things with you?
B: ___
Never forget "Can't complain." again
Reinforce idioms and expressions with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
