start to pray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to pray" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the beginning of the act of praying, often in a religious or spiritual context. Example: "As the sun began to set, the congregation decided to start to pray for peace and guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I start to pray.

The New Yorker

"When I start to pray, I know it's time to let go," Dr. Brunvand said.

The New York Times - Health

He urged him to meet in a small group with his new friends in faith, and to start to pray.

The New Yorker

I'd see the patients watching Amos 'n' Andy every morning – one boy would stand right in front of the television set, blocking the view, kneel down and start to pray.

The Guardian

As Flinty Jim becomes increasingly peeved by emerging links to the shadowy loner who talks in metaphors about breaking lambs' necks, your blood drains, your heart leaps to your mouth and all manner of other physiological phenomena associated with banging drama occur, as well as a newfound spirituality as you start to pray that it isn't really him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You start to pray.What made you hang out here with all these roachesIn the Grünewald Café?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A few people then started to pray.

The New York Times

"I'd started to pray for Jason".

The New York Times - Health

"We started to pray," Mr. Orlando said.

The New York Times

He started to pray, "Oh Lord, just take my soul".

The New York Times

She started to pray a lot and read the Koran.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start to pray" when you want to emphasize the beginning of the act of praying, often in response to a specific situation or realization. For instance: "When faced with the overwhelming odds, they decided to "start to pray" for a miracle."

Common error

Avoid using "start to pray" when "begin praying" or simply "pray" would be more concise and effective. Redundancy can dilute the impact of your writing. For example, instead of saying "He decided to "start to pray" every day", consider "He decided to pray every day".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to pray" functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating the beginning of an action. It describes the initiation of prayer, often in response to a specific event or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start to pray" is a grammatically sound phrase that denotes the beginning of praying. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, consider if simpler alternatives like "begin praying" or just "pray" might be more effective. The phrase serves to illustrate that somebody is turning to a deity for help, guidance, or solace, often when facing difficult situations. Remember that you can choose alternative phrases, as alternatives depends on the desired level of formality and specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to pray

This alternative replaces "start" with "begin", offering a synonymous expression of initiating prayer.

commence praying

Uses "commence", a more formal term for beginning, altering the tone slightly.

initiate prayer

Employs a more formal and direct term, shifting the focus from the process to the action itself.

turn to prayer

Suggests a shift in focus or action towards praying, implying a preceding activity or state.

resort to prayer

Indicates that prayer is being used as a solution or recourse in a difficult situation.

take up praying

Implies adopting prayer as a regular practice or habit.

get down to praying

Suggests starting to pray with earnestness or seriousness.

embark on prayer

Presents praying as a journey or undertaking, adding a sense of purpose and intention.

find oneself praying

Describes an almost involuntary action, where the person starts praying almost unconsciously.

feel compelled to pray

Indicates an internal urge or necessity to pray, emphasizing the emotional or spiritual drive.

FAQs

What does "start to pray" mean?

The phrase "start to pray" signifies the commencement or beginning of the act of praying. It often implies a conscious decision to turn to prayer, possibly in response to specific circumstances or needs.

How can I use "start to pray" in a sentence?

You can use "start to pray" to indicate the initiation of prayer. For example: "Seeing the disaster unfold, many people "began to pray" for the safety of those affected."

What are some alternatives to "start to pray"?

Some alternatives include "begin to pray", "commence praying", or "turn to prayer". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "start praying" or "start to pray"?

Both "start praying" and "start to pray" are grammatically correct, though "start praying" is often more concise. "Start to pray" might be chosen when emphasizing the intention or decision leading to the act of prayer, while "start praying" focuses more on the action itself.