be congratulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be congratulated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone deserves recognition or praise for an achievement or milestone. Example: "After completing the marathon, she should definitely be congratulated for her hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They should be congratulated.

The New York Times

All six finalists should be congratulated.

Independent

Still, Mr. Hynes is to be congratulated.

The New York Times

"The county should be congratulated".

The New York Times

They should be congratulated for that.

The Guardian - Sport

The Benfica players should be congratulated.

The Guardian - Sport

And that's why Mr Wiener is to be congratulated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You should be congratulated," Councilwoman Letitia James said.

The New York Times

I expected to be congratulated for my fabulous good health.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dfid and the Gates Foundation should be congratulated.

The Guardian

If nothing else Tony Blair should be congratulated for this.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be congratulated" when you want to express that someone deserves acknowledgment and appreciation for their accomplishments. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice. While "be congratulated" is grammatically correct, consider whether an active voice construction (e.g., "We congratulate them") would be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be congratulated" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. This construction is used to indicate that someone is the recipient of congratulations, as demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be congratulated" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive verb phrase that serves to express approval and recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Appearing frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its register ranges from neutral to formal. When using this phrase, be mindful of the passive voice and consider whether an active construction might be more impactful. Consider alternatives such as "deserve praise" or "be commended" to fine-tune the nuance of your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deserve praise

Highlights the worthiness of receiving positive feedback or applause.

Be applauded

Similar to "be congratulated" but specifically implies public approval.

Be commended

A more formal and official way of expressing approval.

Be celebrated

Suggests a joyful and public acknowledgment of a success.

Earn recognition

Emphasizes the effort and merit behind gaining acknowledgment.

Be lauded

Suggests enthusiastic and public praise.

Receive accolades

Focuses on the act of receiving praise, often publicly and formally.

Be honored

Indicates a formal and respectful acknowledgment of achievement.

Garner praise

Implies gathering or accumulating positive feedback.

Attract admiration

Focuses on the effect of an action, which draws positive attention.

FAQs

How can I use "be congratulated" in a sentence?

You can use "be congratulated" when expressing that someone deserves praise or recognition for an achievement. For example: "The team should "be congratulated" for their outstanding performance."

What are some alternatives to "be congratulated"?

Alternatives include "deserve praise", "be commended", or "receive accolades", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "be congratulated"?

While generally appropriate, consider the tone and context. In highly formal settings, "be commended" might be more suitable. In informal settings, simpler expressions like "well done" may suffice.

What's the difference between "be congratulated" and "congratulate"?

"Be congratulated" is in the passive voice, indicating someone receives congratulations. "Congratulate" is active, meaning someone gives congratulations. For example, "They should "be congratulated"" versus "We congratulate them".