What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
congratulate
Example
I want to congratulate you on your promotion! [congratulate: verb]
Example
We all gathered to congratulate the newlyweds on their wedding day. [congratulate: verb]
hail
Example
The crowd hailed the champion as she walked onto the stage. [hailed: past tense verb]
Example
The new policy was hailed as a major step forward in environmental protection. [hailed: past participle adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Congratulate is more commonly used than hail in everyday language, especially in formal or professional contexts. Hail is less common and tends to be used more in literary or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between congratulate and hail?
Congratulate is considered more formal and appropriate for professional or serious situations, while hail is more casual and informal, making it suitable for use in everyday conversation or informal writing.
