a small prayer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small prayer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or simple prayer, often in a religious or spiritual context. Example: "Before the meal, we took a moment for a small prayer to express our gratitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

On one end is a small prayer room.

The New York Times

Writer said a small prayer for daring, for decency, for fairness.

The New Yorker

Perhaps someone out there would recognize him, I hoped, and offer a small prayer of condolence.

The New York Times - Health

"Each moment that passes without further incident, I say a small prayer".

The New York Times

I uttered a small prayer of praise, thanking the Almighty for this wonderful scene.

The New York Times - Magazine

Victoria Hernandez Flores carried a votive candle, rosary beads and a small prayer book.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

People here want an invisible Islam; they prefer small prayer rooms to a grand mosque like a cathedral".

The New York Times

A similar option is to make out 24 small prayer cards, each with the name of a separate relative, friend, stranger, or cause.

WikiHow

Blue walks straight up to the small prayer plant in a pot and stares at it intently for several minutes, while the plant "plays" an improvisational tune through small speakers propped on the dirt.

Huffington Post

There is a small Muslim prayer room and a municipal activity center.

The New York Times

After a small Buddhist prayer ceremony, Slowinski's body was cremated in Myanmar.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small prayer" to describe a short, simple prayer, often offered quickly or privately.

Common error

Avoid using "a small prayer" in formal or academic writing where more precise language is required. Consider using "a brief supplication" or "a concise invocation" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small prayer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'said', 'offered', 'uttered'). Ludwig AI validates this use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

9%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small prayer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a brief or simple prayer. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, the phrase is more suited to neutral or informal contexts, such as news articles or personal narratives. More formal settings may require more precise language. Its primary function is to express hope, gratitude, or seek solace. Common alternatives include "a brief prayer" or "a short prayer". Ludwig's examples show a concentration in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief prayer

Emphasizes the shortness of the prayer.

a short prayer

Similar to "brief prayer", highlighting the concise nature of the prayer.

a little prayer

Similar in meaning, uses 'little' instead of 'small'.

a quick prayer

Suggests a rapid and hurried prayer.

a silent prayer

Focuses on the inaudible nature of the prayer.

a simple prayer

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the prayer.

a whispered prayer

Emphasizes the quietness of the prayer.

a humble prayer

Highlights the submissive tone of the prayer.

a silent blessing

Replaces prayer with a similar concept of blessing and highlights its quietness.

a moment of prayer

Shifts the focus to the time spent in prayer rather than the prayer itself.

FAQs

How can I use "a small prayer" in a sentence?

You can use "a small prayer" to describe a brief or simple prayer, as in "She offered "a small prayer" for his safe return".

What can I say instead of "a small prayer"?

Alternatives include "a brief prayer", "a short prayer", or "a quick prayer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a small prayer" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a small prayer" may be considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise or elevated language such as "a brief supplication".

What is the difference between "a small prayer" and "a short prayer"?

While both phrases describe a brief prayer, "a small prayer" can also imply simplicity or lack of importance, while "a short prayer" focuses primarily on the duration.