we extend our congratulations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we extend our congratulations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing good wishes or praise to someone for their achievements or milestones. Example: "On behalf of the entire team, we extend our congratulations to Sarah for her outstanding performance in the recent project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We extend our congratulations to the happy couple and wish them well in their future life together.

The Guardian

If it will cheer him any in what may otherwise be a bleak period for him, we extend our congratulations on the terse, atypical communication he sent to John Foster Dulles approving the speech Mr. Dulles made before the Security Council of the U.N.

The New Yorker

President Barack Obama's press secretary Jay Carney said: "On behalf of everyone here... beginning with the president and first lady we extend our congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the welcome news we received from London that they are expecting their first child".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We'd also like to extend our congratulations to Serge Yegiazarov '13SEAS.

Columbia University

Professor Antony Chapman, vice chancellor, said: "On behalf of the university, I would like to extend our congratulations to our former student Helen as well as her rowing partner, Heather.

BBC

Now that warm weather is here at last, it is time to wish our first year MBA's a happy summer break and to extend our congratulations to our graduating second years and all MMS students.

Duke University

"We extend our sincere congratulations to all of the professors, universities and junior colleges on our top lists".

Huffington Post

The HSUS extends our congratulations to Chimp Haven for this amazing milestone and looks forward to more great news like this in the future as the National Institutes of Health continues its plan to retire more than 300 federally owned chimpanzees.

Huffington Post

We extend our deepest condolences.

The New York Times

We extend our sympathies to his family.

The New York Times

To them, we extend our deepest sympathies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we extend our congratulations" when you want to formally express good wishes for someone's achievement or success. It's suitable for announcements, formal letters, or public statements.

Common error

Avoid using "we extend our congratulations" in informal or casual situations. A simpler "congratulations" or "well done" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we extend our congratulations" primarily functions as an expressive utterance. It is used to formally communicate feelings of goodwill and praise towards someone, typically in recognition of their achievements or significant milestones. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we extend our congratulations" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for expressing formal good wishes and praise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is particularly suitable for formal contexts such as announcements, official communications, and public statements, frequently appearing in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where simpler expressions like "congratulations" are more appropriate. Remember that alternatives like "we offer our congratulations" or "we send our congratulations" provide similar sentiments with slightly different tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we offer our congratulations

Uses "offer" instead of "extend", providing a slightly more direct tone.

we send our congratulations

Replaces "extend" with "send", suggesting a transfer of good wishes.

we would like to congratulate

Shifts to a more explicit statement of congratulating someone.

please accept our congratulations

Adds a polite request for acceptance of the congratulations.

our congratulations to

A more concise expression of offering congratulations.

we convey our congratulations

Uses "convey" instead of "extend", suggesting a more formal transmission of wishes.

we express our congratulations

Replaces "extend" with "express", highlighting the act of voicing congratulations.

we offer our felicitations

Substitutes "congratulations" with "felicitations", increasing the formality.

we wish to congratulate

Formal way to express the desire to congratulate someone.

we heartily congratulate you

Adds "heartily" to emphasize the sincerity of the congratulations.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we extend our congratulations"?

You can use alternatives like "we offer our congratulations", "we send our congratulations", or "our congratulations to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we extend our congratulations"?

It is appropriate in formal settings, such as official announcements, formal letters, or when representing an organization expressing good wishes for an achievement or milestone. It conveys a sense of sincerity and respect.

Is "we extend our congratulations" too formal for casual settings?

Yes, in casual settings it can sound overly formal. Consider using simpler expressions like "congratulations" or "well done" for a more relaxed tone.

What is the difference between "we extend our congratulations" and "we offer our congratulations"?

The phrases are very similar. "Extend" suggests a formal gesture of reaching out with good wishes, while "offer" suggests a more direct presentation of congratulations. Both are appropriate for formal contexts.