congratulated on

USAGE SUMMARY

"congratulated on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when someone is being congratulated for something. Example: She was congratulated on her promotion to manager at the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When congratulated on his victory, Pyrrhus, according to Plutarch, "replied... that one other such would utterly undo him".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The City Council should be congratulated on passing these regulations.

The New York Times

Ms. Wallach is to be congratulated on her article.

The New York Times - Arts

So Jedward must be congratulated on their shrewd eye.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He should be congratulated on the disappearance of the pedestal.

The New York Times

The players should be congratulated on their ingenuity.

The Guardian - Opinion

He will doubtless be congratulated on the timely demise of Russia's most-wanted man.

The Economist

The company employees who traveled to Chile were congratulated on Thursday by Greece's president, Karolos Papoulias.

The New York Times

Female stars are often congratulated on getting in touch with their inner "hotness".

The New Yorker

"My god," Mr. Petronio said, laughing, when congratulated on finally making it to the festival.

The New York Times - Arts

She is innovative but conveys no wish to be congratulated on it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "congratulated on", ensure the context clearly indicates what the person is being praised for. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid congratulating someone for routine tasks or expected behaviors. "Congratulated on" should be reserved for noteworthy accomplishments or significant achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "congratulated on" serves as a verb phrase that indicates the act of expressing praise or approval for someone's achievement or success. It connects the action of congratulating with the specific accomplishment. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "congratulated on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to express praise or approval for someone's accomplishments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and accepted expression. This phrase is common in both formal and informal contexts, with a notable presence in news media and scientific publications. When using "congratulated on", ensure clarity about the specific achievement being recognized. Alternatives like "commended for" or "applauded for" may be more appropriate for highly formal settings, but "congratulated on" remains a versatile and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commended for

Replaces "congratulated" with a more formal term, suggesting official praise.

applauded for

Emphasizes strong approval and admiration for something achieved.

praised for

Offers a general expression of approval and admiration.

lauded for

Implies high praise, often in a public or formal setting.

recognized for

Highlights acknowledgment of someone's accomplishments.

honored for

Signifies deep respect and public acknowledgment of merit.

celebrated for

Indicates joyful and public acknowledgment of success.

acclaimed for

Signifies widespread approval and recognition, especially in the arts or sciences.

given accolades for

Focuses on the act of bestowing honors or awards.

saluted for

Implies respect and admiration, often in a military or formal context.

FAQs

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

Use "congratulated on" to express praise for someone's achievement. For example, "She was "congratulated on" her successful presentation."

What are some alternatives to "congratulated on"?

Alternatives include "commended for", "applauded for", or "praised for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "congratulated on" in formal settings?

Yes, "congratulated on" is suitable for formal settings, but alternatives like "commended for" might be preferred for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "congratulated on" and "thanked for"?

"Congratulated on" is used for achievements or successes, while "thanked for" is used to express gratitude for a kind act or service.