congratulation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "congratulation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express congratulations to someone when they have achieved something or succeeded at something. Example sentence: "We would like to offer our heartfelt congratulation on your successful graduation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Anxious, Hank quickly scanned her replies, but there was nothing much – just the odd congratulation from a few of her 9,209 followers for the way she'd "educated" the men behind her.

The Guardian - Tech

However, it is worth noting the words of John Stuart Mill: "I do not know why it should be a matter of congratulation that persons who are already richer than anyone needs to be should have doubled their means of consuming things which give little or no pleasure except as representatives of wealth.

The Economist

The fun and the hangover Africa correspondent ReprintsNoting the authorities' ambivalence towards the celebrations, Iran's foreign adversaries, including President Barack Obama, sent pointed messages of congratulation.

The Economist

But supporters of admitting Turkey, say, should avoid premature congratulation.

The Economist

Messages of congratulation from Washington, Tehran and beyond may be premature.

The Economist

WHEN Paul Krugman won the Nobel prize in economics on October 13th, the news was greeted with nostalgia as well as congratulation by some of his fellow economists.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Avoiding any hint of self-congratulation, the chancellor was keen to project that he was a man on a mission who needed to be kept on his mission.

The Guardian - Opinion

The TV cameras were in attendance and the newly elected ministers, caught on film making awkward small-talk moments before the prime minister's entrance, were careful to avoid any ostentatious self-congratulation.

The Guardian

But amid this orgy of self-congratulation, there is one rarely mentioned fact: one person's free speech can come at the cost of another's.

The Guardian - Opinion

At no stage had Tony Blair or his government seemed in control of events.Self-congratulation about the maturity of the British people and their political system was, in retrospect, rather forgetful.

The Economist

The State Department, which has been backing the Philharmonic all the way with this trip, would very much approve of the choice (if it wasn't actually made by people in or close to the administration).Another banquet and much self-congratulation by orchestra leaders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "congratulation" when formally acknowledging someone's achievement or success, especially in written communication or official settings. For instance, in a business letter or a formal speech, "congratulation" is an appropriate and respectful choice.

Common error

Avoid using "congratulation" in overly casual or informal situations where a simpler expression like "congrats" or "well done" would be more fitting. Using overly formal language can sometimes sound insincere or out of touch.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "congratulation" is as a noun. It refers to the act of expressing pleasure and approval for someone's success or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used in formal settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "congratulation" functions as a noun primarily used to express formal acknowledgement of someone's success, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to use it appropriately, reserving it for formal settings and substituting more informal alternatives such as "congrats" in casual conversations. Remember to use "congratulation" (singular) when referring to the act itself and "congratulations" (plural) as an interjection. Using the term correctly showcases professionalism and respect for the occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felicitations

A more formal and somewhat old-fashioned synonym for "congratulation", suitable for formal occasions.

best wishes

Expresses good fortune or hope for success, often used as an alternative to a formal "congratulation".

my admiration

Expresses a feeling of great respect and approval, often used as a heartfelt "congratulation" for remarkable achievements.

kudos

An informal expression of praise and admiration, acknowledging someone's accomplishment.

compliments

Offers a polite expression of praise or admiration, often used in conjunction with or as a form of "congratulation".

well done

A common phrase used to praise someone for their successful completion of a task, serving as an informal "congratulation".

accolades

Focuses on the public recognition and honors received for an achievement, similar to "congratulation" but emphasizing public praise.

hats off

An idiomatic expression of admiration and respect, similar to offering "congratulation" for a noteworthy accomplishment.

good job

A simple and direct expression of approval for a task well done, less formal than "congratulation".

cheers to you

Expresses approval and support in a celebratory way, often used to "congratulation" someone informally.

FAQs

How can I use "congratulation" in a sentence?

You can use "congratulation" to express your pleasure at someone's success. For example, "We extend our heartfelt "congratulation" on your recent achievement."

What's a more informal way to offer my "congratulation"?

Instead of "congratulation", you could say "congrats", which is a shortened and more casual form. "Well done" or "good job" are also suitable alternatives in informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "congratulation" versus "congratulations"?

"Congratulation" (singular) is typically used as a noun referring to the act of congratulating, while "congratulations" (plural) is used as an interjection to express good wishes. For example, "I offer my sincerest congratulation," versus "Congratulations on your promotion!"

What are some formal alternatives to "congratulation"?

Formal alternatives include "felicitations" or "best wishes". These options are suitable for formal letters, speeches, or official communications.