he prayed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he prayed that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or hope for something to happen, often in a religious or spiritual context. Example: "He prayed that his family would be safe during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He responded by saying, 'Yes he did in fact want Christ in his life.' And he prayed that day and received the Lord".

Wikipedia

He prayed that it would work.

The Guardian - Books

He prayed that the citizens put patriotism above partisanship.

The New Yorker

He prayed that his errant feelings were a phase.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said he prayed that Pakistan's interior minister Chaudry Nisar would review his case.

Independent

When he was in the force, he said, he prayed that he would be spared such situations.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

He prays that he will stay sober, as he has for the past twenty-four years.

The New Yorker

He prays that donations will not go to the Haitian government he reviles.

The New York Times

He prays that the young people in his tribe will resist the drugs being sold down at Cuffee's Beach.

The New Yorker

He prays that vandals spared the computer diskettes on which university records are stored.

The New York Times

He prays that his health holds out until his children finish school, so that they will not have to drop out and go to work.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he prayed that", ensure the context aligns with a situation where prayer or a deeply held wish is appropriate. Consider whether a more secular term like "hoped" or "wished" might be more suitable depending on the overall tone and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "he prayed that" in contexts where religious connotations are unintended or could be misinterpreted. Opt for alternatives like "he hoped" or "he wished" to maintain neutrality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he prayed that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause expressing a wish or hope directed towards a divine entity. It indicates a request or supplication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he prayed that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a wish or hope directed towards a higher power. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral to formal register. While interchangeable with alternatives like "he hoped that" or "he wished that", it's important to consider the context and intended audience to avoid unintended religious connotations. Practical usage involves ensuring alignment with situations where prayer or a deeply held wish is appropriate. The phrase's communicative purpose is to express earnest desire and reliance on divine intervention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he hoped that

Replaces "prayed" with a more general term for wishing or desiring.

he wished that

Similar to 'hoped,' but often implies a less realistic expectation.

he supplicated that

A more formal and religious term than 'prayed'.

he implored that

Suggests a stronger sense of urgency or desperation in the request.

he begged that

Indicates a humble and earnest request.

he entreated that

A formal synonym for 'begged'.

he appealed that

Suggests making a formal or serious request.

he beseeched that

Another formal synonym for 'begged,' implying deep emotion.

he asked that

A simpler, more direct way of stating the request.

he desired that

Focuses on the internal feeling of wanting something to happen.

FAQs

What does "he prayed that" mean?

The phrase "he prayed that" means someone expressed a sincere hope or request to a higher power or spiritual entity for something to happen. It implies a sense of reverence or deep desire.

How can I use "he prayed that" in a sentence?

You can use "he prayed that" to describe someone's hopeful appeal in a variety of situations. For example, "He prayed that the surgery would be successful" or "He prayed that his family would stay safe".

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

You can use alternatives like "he hoped that", "he wished that", or "he yearned that" depending on the context.

Is "he prayed that" formal or informal?

The phrase "he prayed that" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, because it invokes religious sentiment, consider your audience when deciding whether "he hoped that" or "he wished that" would be more appropriate.