a holy site

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a holy site" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a location that is considered sacred or significant in a religious context. Example: "The pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem to visit a holy site that has been revered for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The unrest erupted in Jerusalem a month ago over tensions surrounding a holy site sacred to Jews and Muslims.

The Guardian

This is a holy site for the Polish people.

The New Yorker

"Perhaps they did not know Angkor is a holy site.

The Guardian

Replacements is, for some people, a holy site.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are reasons other than legal ones for not firing on a holy site.

The New York Times - Books

According to another tradition, he returned to Babylonia, where his supposed grave is a holy site.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ovacık is a holy site for Alevis, Turkey's largest religious minority.

The New Yorker

It was tied with ribbons, and Yildiz told how locals believed it was a holy site.

The Guardian - Travel

In the fall, he photographed the route to Grabarka in eastern Poland, a holy site to Orthodox Christians.

The New Yorker

The operation saw the Indian government raid the Golden Temple – a holy site for Sikhs – which left hundreds dead.

Independent

In the fall, Łączny photographed the route to Grabarka in eastern Poland, a holy site to Orthodox Christians.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "holy site" when referring to a location with deep religious meaning or historical importance within a specific faith tradition.

Common error

Avoid using "holy site" too broadly. Ensure the location truly holds religious significance to a specific group, rather than just being a place of general interest or historical value. Using the term too loosely can diminish its meaning and potentially offend those who hold the site sacred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a holy site" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific location that is considered sacred due to its religious significance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a holy site" is a noun phrase used to denote a location of religious significance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the specific religious or cultural context to ensure accurate and respectful communication. Related phrases include "sacred ground" and "hallowed ground", which offer similar connotations. Overall, "a holy site" is a versatile and widely understood term for describing places of profound religious importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sacred ground

This alternative emphasizes the consecrated nature of the location.

sacred place

This alternative is a more general term for a location considered holy.

hallowed ground

This alternative evokes a sense of reverence and tradition.

place of pilgrimage

This alternative specifies that the site is a destination for religious journeys.

religious sanctuary

This alternative highlights the site as a place of refuge and worship.

consecrated location

This alternative emphasizes the formal dedication or blessing of the site.

temple grounds

This alternative refers to a generic version of a holy location, not necessarily a specific site.

site of religious importance

This alternative is a more descriptive and less evocative term.

spiritual center

This alternative broadens the scope to include sites of spiritual, not necessarily religious, significance.

house of worship

This refers specifically to buildings or structures designed for religious ceremonies.

FAQs

How can I use "a holy site" in a sentence?

You can use "a holy site" to describe a place considered sacred or religiously significant, such as "The pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem, a holy site for three major religions."

What can I say instead of "a holy site"?

You can use alternatives like "sacred ground", "sacred place", or "hallowed ground" depending on the context.

Is it correct to refer to any religious building as "a holy site"?

While many religious buildings are considered holy, the term "a holy site" usually implies a location with particularly deep religious significance, often due to historical events, relics, or spiritual experiences associated with it. Not every church, temple, or mosque is necessarily considered a 'holy site' in the most profound sense.

What's the difference between "a holy site" and "a historical landmark"?

"A holy site" is significant for its religious importance and spiritual meaning, while "a historical landmark" is significant for its historical or cultural value. A place can be both, but the primary reason for its designation differs.