I pray that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I pray that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in a prayer or wish for someone. For example, "I pray that your surgery goes smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I pray that is true.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I pray that climate sceptics are right.

The Guardian - Music

I pray that is the worst of the damage they have suffered.

The New York Times

"It could collapse, but I pray that does not happen," he said.

BBC

I pray that never happens.

Huffington Post

I pray that we do better.

The New York Times

"I pray that I like her.

The New York Times

I pray that the whole streak continues.

The New York Times

I pray that you die young.

The New York Times - Magazine

I pray that this doesn't happen.

The New York Times

I don't feel when I pray that I am improving.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I pray that" when expressing a sincere hope or wish, especially in situations where you seek divine intervention or a positive outcome beyond your control.

Common error

Avoid using "I pray that" in contexts where a simple expression of hope or expectation is sufficient. Overuse can make your writing sound overly dramatic or insincere; consider alternatives like "I hope" or "I trust" in more casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I pray that" primarily functions as an introductory expression of supplication or deep hope. It sets the stage for a statement expressing a wish or a desire, often directed towards a higher power. Ludwig shows the phrase's usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing sincere wishes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I pray that" is a common expression used to convey a heartfelt wish or supplication. Grammatically correct and widely used, as Ludwig AI confirms, it often appears in news and media contexts to express a person's sincere hope. While rooted in religious sentiment, its usage extends to various scenarios where a strong desire for a particular outcome is present. When writing, consider alternative phrases like "I hope that" or "I wish that" for less formal situations to avoid sounding overly dramatic. With an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase is deemed authoritative and appropriate for expressing deep hope or seeking a positive resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope that

Replaces 'pray' with 'hope', making it less religious and more general.

I wish that

Uses 'wish' instead of 'pray', conveying a desire for something to happen.

I am hopeful that

Adds emphasis on the feeling of hope, making it slightly more formal.

It is my hope that

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the hope itself.

I trust that

Indicates a sense of trust or confidence in a positive outcome.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that

Emphasizes wishful thinking in a more colloquial manner.

I long for

Expresses a strong desire or yearning for something.

I am crossing my fingers that

Provides an informal and idiomatic expression of hope.

My fervent hope is that

Increases the intensity of the hope being expressed.

I fervently hope that

Emphasizes the strength and passion behind the hope.

FAQs

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

Use "I pray that" to express a sincere hope or wish, often invoking a higher power or expressing a deep desire. For example, "I pray that he recovers quickly" or "I pray that we find a solution soon."

What's a less religious alternative to "I pray that"?

If you want to avoid religious connotations, you can use alternatives like "I hope that", "I wish that", or "I am hopeful that".

When is it appropriate to use "I pray that"?

It is appropriate to use "I pray that" when expressing a deep hope, a wish for divine intervention, or a desire for a specific outcome in a situation where you feel powerless to directly influence events.

Is there a difference between "I hope that" and "I pray that"?

While both express a desire for something, "I pray that" carries a stronger connotation of seeking divine intervention or expressing a deeply held wish. "I hope that" is a more general expression of optimism.