'Thanks a lot' versus 'Congratulations a lot'

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please tell me if both the following expressions are correct?

1- You really called him?-thanks a lot!
2- Are you really getting married?-Congratulations a lot!

Tom

[Conchita]

The first expression is definitely correct, Tom. I've never heard 'congratulations a lot', though, and it sounds very strange to me (if it's anything to go by! ).

[Alan]

Hi Tom,

To me too 'congratulations a lot' is definitely out of kilter. I would suggest 'Many congratulations' as an alternative.

A
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