going to synagogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to synagogue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of attending a Jewish place of worship. Example: "Every Saturday, I enjoy going to synagogue with my family for Shabbat services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Going to synagogue.

The Guardian - Sport

After my mother became sick, we also stopped going to synagogue on Saturday mornings.

The New Yorker

In the interests section, it listed "lending money with interest", "going to synagogue" and "finding change on the floor".

Independent

His family was not particularly religious, and he often found himself going to synagogue with friends.

The New York Times

I grew up going to synagogue every Saturday, Sunday school every Sunday and Hebrew school up to four times a week, and I never heard about the Sonderkommando".

The New York Times

It introduced a "religious practice test," in which prospective students amass points for things like going to synagogue and doing charitable work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Although money is going to synagogues and churches, so far most applicants have been mosques since Muslims are by far the most active faith group in the borough.

Independent

He went to synagogue".

The Guardian - Books

"She goes to synagogue with me".

The New York Times

We didn't go to synagogue.

The New York Times - Books

I go to synagogue here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing regular religious practices, use "going to synagogue" to convey a sense of routine and community involvement.

Common error

Avoid using "going to synagogue" as a substitute for specific Jewish holidays or ceremonies (e.g., Yom Kippur, Bar Mitzvah). While attendance is often part of these events, the phrase itself doesn't capture the unique significance of those occasions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to synagogue" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe the act of attending synagogue. As Ludwig suggests, it is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going to synagogue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of attending a Jewish place of worship. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "attending synagogue" or "visiting the synagogue" exist, the original phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning. It is important to use it accurately, distinguishing it from specific religious observances. Usage is frequent in journalistic contents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attending synagogue

Replaces the gerund form "going" with the present participle "attending", offering a more formal tone.

visiting the synagogue

Emphasizes the act of visiting a specific location, the synagogue, rather than the general practice.

synagogue attendance

Noun phrase referring to the act of being present at the synagogue, suitable for statistical or descriptive contexts.

worshipping at the synagogue

Highlights the act of worship taking place at the synagogue, focusing on the religious aspect.

praying at the synagogue

Specifies the act of prayer as the primary activity at the synagogue, narrower in scope.

congregating at the synagogue

Emphasizes the communal aspect of gathering at the synagogue.

fellowshipping at the synagogue

Focuses on the social and spiritual connection within the synagogue community.

participating in synagogue services

Highlights active involvement in the religious services at the synagogue.

being a member of the synagogue

Focuses on belonging to the synagogue community rather than just attending.

frequenting the synagogue

Implies regularly attending the synagogue, suggesting a habit or routine.

FAQs

How can I use "going to synagogue" in a sentence?

"Going to synagogue" can be used to describe the act of attending a Jewish place of worship. For example: "Going to synagogue is an important part of my religious life."

What are some alternatives to "going to synagogue"?

Alternatives include "attending synagogue", "visiting the synagogue", or participating in "synagogue services" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "attending synagogue" instead of "going to synagogue"?

While both are correct, ""attending synagogue"" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "going to synagogue", but the difference is minimal.

When should I use "going to synagogue" versus mentioning a specific Jewish holiday?

Use "going to synagogue" for general attendance. Mention specific holidays like Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashanah if you're referring to those particular observances, as the general phrase does not capture the unique significance of those occasions.