Sending congratulations

[shabani]

Hello everyone,
I was wondering how one can congratulate someone who is not present in a situation. Imagine you're talking to Alex and it's his brother's birthday. Is it correct to say " Send my congratulations to him"?

Thanks in advance

[JohnParis]

Yes, that is perfectly fine. You could also say "send my congratulations to your brother Joe" or "wish Joe a Happy Birthday for me."

[Rover_KE]

As Alex will be verbally passing on your message you could say 'Give your brother my congratulations'.

Rover

[emsr2d2]

Send my congratulations to your brother.
Wish your brother happy birthday from me.
Give your brother my best wishes [for a happy birthday].
Say happy birthday to your brother from me.

[Barb_D]

Is it common in the UK to "congratulate" someone on a birthday? It isn't here. Send him my best wishes, sure. Wish him a happy birthday for me, sure. But congratulations? No.

[emsr2d2]

Is it common in the UK to "congratulate" someone on a birthday? It isn't here. Send him my best wishes, sure. Wish him a happy birthday for me, sure. But congratulations? No.

It's not common but I have heard it, especially if it's a "special" birthday (18, 21, 40, 50, 60 etc). In general you're correct, we would stick with "happy birthday" or "best wishes" or "give my love to ..." (for some people).