pray this works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pray this works" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing hope or desire for a particular outcome, often in a context where there is uncertainty about the success of a plan or action. Example: "I've tried everything to fix the issue with my computer; I just pray this works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I pray this works.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Let's pray that this works because frankly this is the best opportunity we can imagine the Syrian people has had for the last five years in order to see something better and hopefully something related to peace," UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said at a midnight news conference in Geneva.

The Guardian

I squished the liquid around and prayed this would work as a last-minute fix-it until my 20-something son strolled into the kitchen and asked, "Mom, shouldn't the turkey be in the oven by now?" I acknowledged the wisdom and bled the brine from the bag.

Huffington Post

"In Lima," he said, "are the people who are praying every day that this works out".

The New York Times

Many here pray it works.

The New York Times

So expect the unexpected, and pray it works.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I pray it works out for him and that the light turns on in his head," Baldi said of Noel.

The New York Times - Sports

The only feasible solution is to abandon commitment to perfection, develop your own triage system and pray it works.

The Guardian

Perhaps at the next awards show, they should toast their new partners and pray it works out for both of them.

The New York Times - Arts

It is full of plain talk on how to pray, what works and what doesn't.

WikiHow

"They haven't actually injected into the proper place yet and, now they know it was my tendon, I'm praying this one will work.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pray this works" when you want to express a strong desire for a specific outcome, especially when the success of that outcome is uncertain or relies on factors beyond your direct control.

Common error

Avoid using "pray this works" in highly formal or professional settings. While grammatically correct, it carries a slightly informal tone. Opt for more neutral phrases like "hope this works" or "trust this will be effective" to maintain a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pray this works" functions primarily as an expression of hope or supplication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a way to voice a desire for a specific outcome, often in situations where success isn't guaranteed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pray this works" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a hope for a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage. While suitable for many contexts, including news and general conversation, more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional settings. The phrase indicates a reliance on external factors, adding a layer of uncertainty to the desired success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hope this works

Replaces "pray" with "hope", focusing on expectation rather than supplication.

wish this works

Substitutes "pray" with "wish", indicating a desire for a favorable outcome.

I hope it goes well

Shifts the focus to a more general expectation of a positive outcome.

I trust this will be effective

Emphasizes confidence in the action's effectiveness.

fingers crossed this works

Adds an idiomatic expression indicating hope and good luck.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed

An idiom that hopes for good fortune or success.

I'm banking on this working

Implies a reliance on the success of the action.

I'm pinning my hopes on this

Suggests that one's hopes are strongly tied to the action's success.

may this be successful

Expresses a formal desire for success.

I'm optimistic that this will succeed

Indicates a confident belief in the action's success.

FAQs

How can I use "pray this works" in a sentence?

You can use "pray this works" to express a desire for a positive outcome, as in "I've tried everything to fix the issue with my computer; I just pray this works."

What's a less informal way to say "pray this works"?

For a less informal tone, try alternatives like "hope this works" or "I trust this will be effective".

Is "pray this works" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pray this works" is grammatically correct and understandable. It is often used to express a wish or hope for a particular outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "pray this works"?

It's appropriate to use "pray this works" in situations where you are hoping for a positive outcome, especially when the result is uncertain or depends on external factors. However, consider using more formal alternatives in professional settings.