How to Talk About Birthdays in English
Birthdays are special occasions, and knowing how to talk about them in English can help you communicate more naturally in everyday conversations. In this blog, you will learn how to say your birthday, ask others about theirs, and use dates correctly in English.
How to Write and Read Dates in English
When writing dates in English, we usually use ordinal numbers with endings such as **st, nd, rd,** and **th**. When reading these dates aloud, we pronounce them as ordinal numbers.
For example:
* September 1st — September first
* March 2nd — March second
* April 3rd — April third
* November 12th — November twelfth
Remember that these endings are part of the written form of ordinal numbers.
Useful Expressions About Birthdays
Here are some common expressions you can use when talking about birthdays.
**My birthday is on September 12th.**
I was born on March 5th.
Happy birthday!
I’m turning sixteen this year.
What day is your birthday?
These expressions are useful for asking about birthdays, sharing your birth date, and congratulating someone.
A Short Conversation
**A:** When is your birthday?
**B:** My birthday is on November 8th.
**A:** Happy birthday in advance!
**B:** Thank you!
You can use this simple conversation to practise speaking about birthdays with your friends.
Helpful Tips
**Use “on” with a specific date.**
When you mention an exact date, use the preposition *on*.
Example: My birthday is on April 20th.
**Use “in” with a month.**
When you mention a month without a specific date, use *in*.
Example: My birthday is in April.
**Know the difference between formal and informal questions.**
“When is your birthday?” is common in everyday conversations. However, “What is your date of birth?” is more formal and is often used on official forms.
**Learn how to congratulate someone.**
The expression “Happy birthday!” is the most common way to wish someone a happy birthday in English. You can also say “Happy birthday in advance!” when their birthday is coming soon.
Let’s Practise!
Now that you know these useful expressions, try answering these questions in English:
* When is your birthday?
* What month were you born in?
* How old are you turning this year?
Practise saying your answers aloud. The more you use these expressions, the more confident and natural you will become when speaking English.
