PASTE TEST
1. “Without complaining” — more natural in conversation and casual writing
Form: gerund (–ing verb)
Tone: informal, flowing
Frequency: more commonly used in modern English
Why it sounds natural:
It feels more active and relatable — we often describe actions this way in everyday English.
It matches how we talk about people doing things:
“He kept working without stopping, without looking, without complaining.”
2. “Without complaint” — more formal or literary
Form: noun (uncountable)
Tone: a bit more detached or abstract
Frequency: less common in spoken English
Feels more like:
“He bore the pain without complaint.”
“She endured the hardships without complaint.”
Example comparison:
Casual/Everyday Formal/Literary
He finished his chores without complaining. He accepted the verdict without complaint.
They waited without complaining. They stood in silence, without complaint.
Summary:
“Without complaining” sounds more natural because it’s closer to spoken English, and it flows better with other common –ing forms we use to describe behaviour.
“Without complaint” works too, but it feels more formal, old-fashioned, or poetic.
1 comment
J K
PASTE TEST
1. “Without complaining” — more natural in conversation and casual writing
Form: gerund (–ing verb)
Tone: informal, flowing
Frequency: more commonly used in modern English
Why it sounds natural:
It feels more active and relatable — we often describe actions this way in everyday English.
It matches how we talk about people doing things:
“He kept working without stopping, without looking, without complaining.”
2. “Without complaint” — more formal or literary
Form: noun (uncountable)
Tone: a bit more detached or abstract
Frequency: less common in spoken English
Feels more like:
“He bore the pain without complaint.”
“She endured the hardships without complaint.”
Example comparison:
Casual/Everyday Formal/Literary
He finished his chores without complaining. He accepted the verdict without complaint.
They waited without complaining. They stood in silence, without complaint.
Summary:
“Without complaining” sounds more natural because it’s closer to spoken English, and it flows better with other common –ing forms we use to describe behaviour.
“Without complaint” works too, but it feels more formal, old-fashioned, or poetic.