A2English

Congratulations & Celebrations

Use these phrases to congratulate people on their successes and celebrate special events with friends or colleagues.

Key Phrases

Voice
Wishing happy birthday · 2 ways to say it

Happy birthday! Have a great day.

casual

Common to say to friends, family, or close coworkers.

Wishing you a very happy birthday.

polite

Good for older relatives or managers.

Congratulating · 2 ways to say it

Congrats! That's great news.

casual

Short for congratulations; use this with friends.

Congratulations on the new job!

neutral

Use 'on' before the event or reason.

Praising success · 2 ways to say it

You did a great job.

casual

Good for praising someone after they finish a difficult task.

Well done on your exams!

neutral

Very common when someone passes a test at school.

Wedding wishes · 2 ways to say it

I hope you are very happy together.

neutral

A simple, friendly way to congratulate a newly married couple.

Best wishes to you both.

polite

Standard phrase to say or write in a formal wedding card.

Toasting · 2 ways to say it

Cheers!

casual

Say this and clink glasses before drinking with friends.

Here's to your new job!

neutral

Use 'Here's to...' before the thing or person you are celebrating.

Practice Dialogue

Coworker
Hi, Mark! I heard about the new job. Congratulations!
Promoted Colleague
Thanks! I'm really excited.
Coworker
When do you start?
Promoted Colleague
Next Monday. I'm going to be the new team leader.
Coworker
Wow, well done! You did a great job this year.
Promoted Colleague
Thank you. It was hard work, but I'm happy.
Coworker
Let's get a drink. Here's to your new job!
Promoted Colleague
Cheers!

More Greetings & Socializing (A2)

← All English survival phrases