we congratulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we congratulated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you or a group of people have offered congratulations to someone for an achievement or milestone. Example: "After the successful presentation, we congratulated Sarah on her hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

We congratulated him.

The New Yorker

"We congratulated him [after the match].

The Guardian - Sport

We congratulated Felipe on having held his own.

The New York Times - Magazine

We congratulated him for his sense of adventure.

The New York Times

We congratulated him on eating in a vertically mobile society.

The New Yorker

The rest of the team made their way safely across and we congratulated ourselves proudly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

We congratulate science on corroborating ancient wisdom.

The New Yorker

"We congratulate Pepsi," a Coke spokesperson said.

The New Yorker

We congratulate them and they played fantastically.

The Guardian - Sport

Should we congratulate him or Lord Black?

The Guardian

We congratulate God for being God.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by choosing the alternatives depending on the level of formality (e.g. use "We commended" for business/formal settings)

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "they were congratulated by us" unless the agent performing the action is genuinely less important than the recipient of the congratulations. Active voice ("we congratulated them") is generally more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we congratulated" typically functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a group of people (represented by "we") performed the action of congratulating someone. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatical and common. This phrase is generally used to report an action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we congratulated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for reporting that a group extended congratulations. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It's versatile enough for various contexts, though primarily found in News & Media. When using this phrase, specifying the reason for congratulating enhances clarity. Alternatives like "we praised" or "we commended" offer nuanced variations in formality and emphasis, while avoiding passive voice leads to a more direct and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we praised

This is a general term for expressing approval or admiration.

we commended

This alternative suggests a more formal expression of praise or approval for a specific action or quality.

we applauded

This suggests enthusiastic approval or admiration, often expressed publicly.

we celebrated

This implies a joyful acknowledgment of an achievement, often with festivities.

we expressed our admiration

This is a more formal way of conveying admiration or respect.

we acknowledged their success

Focuses on recognizing the positive outcome, rather than the act of congratulating.

we honored

This suggests showing respect and admiration, possibly through a ceremony or special recognition.

we gave accolades to

A formal phrase indicating high praise and recognition, similar to presenting an award.

we toasted

Implies a celebratory gesture, such as raising a glass in honor of someone's achievement.

we offered our felicitations

A very formal and somewhat archaic way of offering congratulations.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "we congratulated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we praised", "we commended", or "we applauded" to express similar sentiments.

How formal is the phrase "we congratulated"?

The phrase "we congratulated" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is suitable for both professional and informal contexts, although more formal options like "we commended" may be preferred in certain situations.

Is it better to say "we congratulated him" or "we congratulated him on" something?

While both are grammatically correct, "we congratulated him on [achievement]" is more specific and informative. It clarifies the reason for the congratulations, making the expression more meaningful.

Can I use "we congratulated ourselves" in a formal setting?

Using "we congratulated ourselves" can come across as self-congratulatory, which may not be appropriate for all formal settings. Consider whether the situation warrants such a statement or if a more modest expression would be more suitable.