expressing complaint

Making a complaint

Useful expressions:
I’m afraid I have to make a serious complaint.
Look, I’m sorry to trouble you, but….
Excuse me, I’m afraid…
Excuse me, there seems to be something wrong with…
Excuse me, there appears to be something wrong…
I wonder if you could help me…..
I’ve got a bit of a problem here, you see……
Do you think you could……?
I’m sorry to have to say this, but….
Would you mind (doing)….?
I wish you wouldn’t mind….
I do wish you could….
Wouldn’t it be a good idea to/ not to….

Accepting a complaint

Oh, I’m sorry about that.
I can’t tell you how sorry I am
I wish it never happened
Oh dear, I’m really sorry
I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize
I just don’t know how to say.
I just don’t know what to say

Delaying a complaint

I suggest you leave it with us and we’ll see what can be done.
I suggest you leave it with us and we’ll see what we can do.
I’m afraid the manager/boss isn’t in at the moment. Could you call later?
I’m afraid we can’t help you at the moment. Could you leave your contact phone number and address? We will contact you soon.

Rejecting a complaint

Well, I’m afraid there is nothing we can do about it actually.
Well, I’m afraid there isn’t much we can do about it.