congratulation

Everyday

1. Congratulations: words you say to show you are happy for someone who has done well or had good news. tree →
2. Congratulations! — an exclamation said to someone on their success or happy event. tree →
3. (formal, singular) The act of congratulating someone: «a letter of congratulation». tree →

In the lessons

Used on cards, in speeches, assemblies, sports days and family news (a new baby, a wedding, passing a test). It tells the reader that someone is praised and others share their joy. Phrases: «Congratulations on …», «Congratulations to …», «send my congratulations», «a card of congratulation», «Congrats!» (informal). Sometimes said sarcastically when someone did something silly: «Well, congratulations, you broke it.»

Examples

• Congratulations on winning the spelling bee! tree →
• Congratulations to Year 5 for the best attendance this term. tree →
• Please give my congratulations to your sister on her new baby. tree →
• We all signed a card of congratulation for our teacher's wedding. tree →
• The head teacher read out a list of congratulations in assembly. tree →
• "I passed my swimming test!" "Congrats, that's brilliant!" tree →
• Oh, congratulations, you've spilt juice on the homework again (sarcastic). tree →
• The mayor sent a letter of congratulation to the winning team. tree →

Note

The everyday form is the plural «congratulations», even to one person. Use «on» for the thing done: «congratulations on your win», and «to» for the person: «congratulations to Ben». Spelling trap: it is «congratulations» with a T in the middle, not «congradulations» (people mix it up with «graduation»). «Congrats» is informal.