Usage of word Congratulations

Question

Can we use the word Congratulations like...

Lets wish Andy a very Happy Birthday ....

Congratulations Andy....

In the context of a birthday , can we use "congratulations"?Or is it related to achievement, or buying big new stuff only?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

In my opinion, congratulations are in order as part of a birthday celebration.

Achievements, yes.

Buying big new stuff? I don't think so.

Winning big new stuff? Absolutely!

Congratulations on buying/moving into your first new home! Yes. (This is an achievement.)

Anonymous · Answer

AvangiIn my opinion, congratulations are in order as part of a birthday celebration.

Achievements, yes.

Buying big new stuff? I don't think so.

Winning big new stuff? Absolutely!

Congratulations on buying/moving into your first new home! Yes. (This is an achievement.)

Thanks for the reply ... I was feeling like **** after they told me that I have used a word wrongly in a communique...

I am the originator of the thread... the context of the question was --- Somebody in my office told me that I cant use Congratulations in the context of birthday.Say , for example.

Happy Birthday Pradeep....Congratulations.

I wanted to tell them , no you morons ... congratulations goes perfectly fine here, but couldnt find ny worthy evidence to back it up...If you can give some refernces to the same. I would be obliged.

And the reason I said that it was used in the context of buying something big & or valuable is-- well you never congratulate someone on buying... say a t shirt as opposed to buying a house or a car when you can safely say... Congratulations man... this house is magnificient!! Did u rob a bank or what???

Avangi · Answer

Anonymous you can safely say... Congratulations man... this house is magnificient!! Did u rob a bank or what???

Somehow, I'm less comfortable using the expression with purchasing something than with an achievement, aniversary (birthday/wedding) birth of a child, good fortune. Perhaps if you got a really good deal on the house, it would be appropriate. And as I said, there's something special about owning your first house.

http://www.dgreetings.com/congrats/congrat033.htm

I have to admit there is some sentiment against it, as in this thread from another site:

http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=1525867

Avangi · Answer

GG just told me she'd save the "congratulations" for special (milestone) birthdays, and I'm starting to agree.

Still, I think your original quote for Andy was quite natural. But I guess "Happy Birthday, Andy" would be less controversial.

Jetha Babita · Answer

The word congratulations mean congratulating someone on the special occasion like New year by sending them new years wishes and messages.

Usage of word Congratulations

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