Meaning & use
moans and groans
Last updated
Meanings
phrasepluralinformal
repeated complaints or expressions of dissatisfaction, often in a way that seems excessive
Grammar: Used as a plural noun phrase; often follows 'the' or a possessive such as 'their'.
Patterns
- moans and groans about something
- someone's moans and groans
- the usual moans and groans
There were moans and groans from the staff when the new schedule was announced.
Despite all the moans and groans, most students passed the exam.
I'm tired of hearing the same moans and groans about the weather.
phraseplural
low sounds made by people who are in pain or very unhappy
Grammar: Refers to actual sounds; the verb that often goes with it is 'make' or 'hear'.
Patterns
- make moans and groans
- hear moans and groans
- moans and groans of pain
From the sick room came the moans and groans of patients.
The old man let out moans and groans as he tried to stand.
Common combinations
- the usual moans and groans
- The meeting started with the usual moans and groans about parking.
- moans and groans about
- There are always moans and groans about the food in the cafeteria.
- despite the moans and groans
- Despite the moans and groans, the project was finished on time.
- amid moans and groans
- Amid moans and groans, the teacher handed out extra homework.
Synonyms and how they differ
- complaints
- More neutral and general; 'moans and groans' suggests a louder, more emotional or repeated reaction.
- grumbles
- Similar but often quieter and less formal; 'moans and groans' is a set phrase and sounds more exaggerated.
Opposites
Commonly confused: moans and groans or moan and groan?
moans and groans vs moan and groan
The singular form is used for one sound or one complaint: 'She let out a moan and a groan.' The plural phrase is used for many or repeated ones.
Practice
There were loud ______ from the audience when the concert was canceled.
Choose one answer.
The phrase is plural and fixed, so 'moans and groans' is correct. 'Moan and groan' is singular and would need 'a' or 'the', and 'moans and groan' mixes plural and singular forms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “moans and groans”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.