I pray for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I pray for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when expressing sincere and earnest hope for something. For example: "I pray for peace in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I pray for that".

The New York Times

I pray for him, too".

The New York Times

I pray for the mother.

The New York Times

I pray for you".

The New York Times

I pray for Kuteh.

The Guardian - Opinion

I pray for Derrick.

The New York Times - Sports

"I pray for death.

The New York Times

I pray for rain..

The Guardian - Travel

I pray for son.

The Guardian - Books

That's something I pray for, I pray for my forgiveness.

The New York Times

"I pray for peace," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I pray for" to express sincere hope or supplication, especially in contexts where you want to convey empathy, support, or a deep desire for a positive outcome. Be mindful of the audience and the situation to ensure the phrase resonates appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "I pray for" too casually in secular or non-religious settings, as it might sound out of place or insincere. Consider alternatives like "I hope for" or "I wish for" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I pray for" functions primarily as an expression of hope, supplication, or empathy. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is often used to express sincere and earnest desires.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I pray for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express sincere hope, supplication, or empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey heartfelt wishes or requests, often with a spiritual or emotional dimension. While versatile, it's advisable to use alternatives like "I hope for" in secular settings to maintain appropriateness. Ultimately, "I pray for" remains a potent expression of support, concern, and a desire for positive outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am praying for

A more emphatic and direct way of stating that one is currently praying.

I hope for

Expresses a wish or expectation for something to happen.

I wish for

Indicates a desire or longing for something.

I long for

Conveys a strong desire or yearning.

I'm hoping for

Similar to "I hope for" but with a continuous aspect, suggesting an ongoing hope.

My prayers are with

Expresses support and sympathy, often used in difficult times.

I'm asking for

A more direct expression of requesting divine intervention.

I entreat for

A more formal and less common way to express pleading or begging for something.

I trust in

Implies a reliance on a higher power for a desired outcome.

I beseech for

Similar to "I entreat for" but even more formal and archaic.

FAQs

What does "I pray for" mean?

The phrase "I pray for" expresses a sincere hope, wish, or request directed towards a higher power or the universe. It's often used to convey empathy, support, or a deep desire for a positive outcome.

What can I say instead of "I pray for"?

You can use alternatives like "I hope for", "I wish for", or "my prayers are with" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I pray for" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, consider the audience and context. In highly secular or professional environments, "I hope for" might be a more suitable alternative.

How can I use "I pray for" in a sentence?

You can use "I pray for" to express hope for someone's well-being (e.g., "I pray for your recovery"), a desired outcome (e.g., "I pray for peace"), or general support (e.g., "I pray for all those affected by the disaster").