I prayed that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I prayed that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to express a wish or hope that something will happen, typically something out of the speaker's control. Example: "I prayed that my grandmother would recover from her illness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How I prayed that day.

The New York Times

I prayed that same prayer for many years.

Huffington Post

(Focus group discussion with mothers, Limus Nunggal, Sukabumi) I prayed that day, "Lord please do not let my wife deliver our baby in the hospital.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

I prayed that they would be merciful.

The New York Times

I prayed that he would not get a long sentence".

Independent

I prayed that something similar would happen to me.

The New Yorker

I prayed that God would be for-giviiiiing".

The New Yorker

I prayed that Marian didn't see, but she did.

The New York Times

Deep in my heart, I prayed that I would be able to make this jump.

The New York Times

"I prayed that God would not make me this way," he said.

The New York Times

I prayed that the majority would not remain silent or paralyzed by fears.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I prayed that", ensure the context aligns with a sincere expression of hope or a request to a higher power. Avoid using it sarcastically or in contexts where religious connotations are inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I prayed that" in scenarios where a simple wish or hope is intended, without any religious or spiritual implication. Alternatives like "I hoped that" or "I wished that" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I prayed that" functions as a declarative statement expressing a hope or wish directed towards a divine entity. It typically introduces a subordinate clause outlining the desired outcome. Ludwig examples show its prevalence in expressing personal desires and supplications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I prayed that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a wish or hope directed towards a higher power. According to Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the religious or spiritual context and ensure it aligns with the intended message. Alternatives such as "I hoped that" or "I wished that" can be used in more secular settings. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hoped that

Emphasizes a general wish or expectation without the religious connotation of prayer.

I wished that

Similar to 'I hoped that' but can imply a less realistic or more fanciful desire.

I yearned that

Suggests a deep longing or intense desire for something to happen.

I longed that

Expresses a strong and persistent desire, often for something unattainable.

I desired that

Formally expresses a wish or strong feeling of wanting something.

I supplicated that

More formal and explicitly religious, emphasizing a humble and earnest request.

I entreated that

Implies a plea or earnest request, often to someone in authority.

I begged that

Conveys a sense of desperation or urgency in the request.

I implored that

Similar to 'I begged that', but suggests a more formal or solemn appeal.

I requested that

A more neutral way to express a wish, without the emotional intensity of prayer.

FAQs

What does "I prayed that" mean?

The phrase "I prayed that" expresses a hope or wish directed towards a higher power, typically in a religious or spiritual context. It signifies a heartfelt desire for a specific outcome.

What can I say instead of "I prayed that"?

You can use alternatives like "I hoped that", "I wished that", or "I longed that" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "I prayed that" when you want to express a sincere hope or wish within a religious or spiritual context. It conveys a sense of reverence and reliance on a higher power.

Is "I prayed that" formal or informal?

The phrase "I prayed that" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, depending on the context. While the act of praying itself can be deeply personal, the phrase is commonly used in both news reports and personal narratives.