In Sweden we have a saying that — literally translated — corresponds to “A dear child has many names” (“Kärt barn har många namn”). The meaning is pretty straightforward: popular things can have a What should I say to wish someone a happy Easter ?? 1- Happy Easter to you and your beloved ones. 2 - Happy Easter for you and your beloved ones. The need for the definite article depends upon the contextual meaning . Late is nothing special and follows the same rules as any other word. Personally, I've used both versions. Nevertheless: Belated birthday is nonsense, since the anniversary is the anniversary, and cannot be postponed even if the celebrations are. Belated happy birthday, strictly, is also nonsense because the birthday has already gone and may or may not have been happy. Therefore I would suggest something along the lines of: Belated birthday wishes (as suggested in another answer) Hope you had a Happy Birthday. Sorry I missed it / Sorry I'm late.
