a holy work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a holy work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task, project, or piece of art that is considered sacred or spiritually significant. Example: "The artist dedicated years to creating a holy work that would inspire generations to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Whatever his sins, this is a holy work.

The Guardian - Arts

Tied to this idea was the notion that war to defend Christendom was not only a justifiable undertaking but a holy work and therefore pleasing to God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Grandage, whose long and fruitful reign as the artistic director of the Donmar comes to an end this season, asks us to remember that "Lear" may be a holy work of art, but that it is also a feisty old war horse that, properly harnessed, can still kick and gallop with the best of them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

God speaks to Moses and Aaron, telling them to take a census of the sons of Kohath, a Levite family, for they have a most holy work to perform.

Huffington Post

Is it or is it not morally neutral or even superior, as new Cambridge Episcopal Divinity School pro-abort President Rev. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale tagged it - "a blessing" and "holy work"?" I replied, "Well, actually, if you read what I wrote again, you'll see I was referring to adoption and teen parenthood as "often tremendously difficult choices".

Huffington Post

The outstanding holy work in the show is a polychrome wooden Calvary by the famous Polish sculptor Jean Lambert-Rucki, most creative and Christian-minded artist working for the churches of France today.

The New Yorker

Our tradition teaches us that a loving and just God supports us in this holy work.

Huffington Post

Pope Suburban II issues a bull excommunicating "any who pilfer salted almonds and beverages without just recompense," but Antipope Inclement III counter- asserts a divine right to free snacking (Jus Pretzelonis) by anyone engaged in the holy work of killing Muslims.

Forbes

"This is not God's holy work.

The New York Times

They got to know the location where they would do their holy work.

The Guardian

And, whatever one's opinion on religion, that's holy work indeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a holy work", ensure the context clearly conveys a sense of reverence, spiritual significance, or divine purpose. It's most effective when describing activities or creations intended to honor religious beliefs or values.

Common error

Avoid applying "a holy work" to everyday tasks or projects that lack a genuine spiritual dimension. Overuse can diminish its intended impact and appear inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a holy work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "holy" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "work". It describes a task or endeavor imbued with sacred or religious significance. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a holy work" is a grammatically sound and meaningful expression used to describe tasks or creations with significant spiritual or religious value. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While relatively rare in general usage, its presence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its appropriateness in formal and neutral contexts. When using "a holy work", ensure the context is aligned with its inherent reverence, and avoid applying it loosely to secular activities. Alternatives such as ""a sacred task"" or ""a divine undertaking"" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A sacred task

Emphasizes the reverence and dedication required for the undertaking.

A divine undertaking

Highlights the involvement or blessing of a higher power in the work.

A consecrated endeavor

Focuses on the dedication and setting apart of the effort for a specific purpose.

A blessed mission

Suggests that the work is divinely favored and likely to succeed.

A spiritual assignment

Highlights the spiritual dimension and personal growth involved in the work.

A godly operation

Emphasizes the righteous and virtuous nature of the work.

A hallowed project

Focuses on the venerated and respected status of the work.

A sanctified labor

Highlights the purification and dedication involved in the work.

A religious act

Suggests a specific action carried out for religious reasons.

A devotional practice

Emphasizes the personal and heartfelt commitment to the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "a holy work" to describe tasks or creations that are considered sacred or spiritually significant, such as "Creating this artwork felt like "a holy work", connecting me to a higher power."

What are some alternatives to saying "a holy work"?

Alternatives include "a sacred task", "a divine undertaking", or "a spiritual assignment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe secular activities as "a holy work"?

While technically grammatically correct, describing purely secular activities as ""a holy work"" may sound out of place or exaggerated. Reserve this phrase for contexts with genuine spiritual or religious significance.

What distinguishes "a holy work" from "a good deed"?

"A good deed" generally refers to acts of kindness or charity, whereas ""a holy work"" implies a deeper spiritual connection or religious purpose. The former focuses on human benefit, the latter on divine intention.