“Happy Belated Birthday” vs. “Belated Happy Birthday” – Conveying Late Wishes
When wishing someone after their actual birthday, people often use the phrases “happy belated birthday” and “belated happy birthday.”
Let’s explore which is the more appropriate choice for late birthday wishes.
Quick Summary
“Happy belated birthday” is the commonly accepted phrase in English-speaking countries for extending birthday wishes after the date has passed. “Belated happy birthday” is less common and can be considered grammatically incorrect by some, as “belated” modifies the birthday wishes, not the birthday itself.
“Happy Belated Birthday” vs. “Belated Happy Birthday” – Which is Correct?
The phrase “happy belated birthday” is typically used to convey birthday wishes when the greeting is given after the day of the birthday. Here’s a quick guide:
| Phrase | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Happy belated birthday | When wishing someone after their birthday | I’m sorry I missed your special day—happy belated birthday! |
| Belated happy birthday | Less common and not generally preferred | – |
How to Use “Happy Belated Birthday”
“Happy belated birthday” is used when you want to wish someone happiness for their birthday, even though the greeting is late. Here are examples of how to use it:
“I just realized I missed your birthday, so happy belated birthday!”
“Happy belated birthday! Hope your day was as amazing as you are.”
How to Use “Belated Happy Birthday”
Although you might occasionally see or hear “belated happy birthday,” it is not the conventional phrase. The standard and widely accepted term is “happy belated birthday.”
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentences:
- I forgot to call you on your birthday, so _ (happy belated birthday/belated happy birthday)!
- Here’s a card to say _ (happy belated birthday/belated happy birthday); I hope you had a fun celebration.
- Just because this message comes late, doesn’t mean you’re not special. _ (Happy belated birthday/Belated happy birthday)!
- I missed your party last week—_ (happy belated birthday/belated happy birthday)!
- Although I’m late with my greeting, _ (happy belated birthday/belated happy birthday) to you!
Answer Key:
- happy belated birthday
- happy belated birthday
- Happy belated birthday
- happy belated birthday
- happy belated birthday
Conclusion
“Happy belated birthday” is the correct and preferred phrase for sending birthday wishes after the actual day has passed. It’s a thoughtful way to acknowledge someone’s birthday and apologize for the late greeting. Using the correct phrase ensures that your good intentions are both clear and warmly received.
