utter a prayer

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter a prayer" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to speak or say a prayer out loud. You can use it whenever you want to describe someone speaking a prayer out loud. Example: During the ceremony, the pastor asked the congregation to utter a prayer for the sick and the suffering.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With his eyes closed, he began to utter a prayer under his breath.

The Guardian - Travel

To a Westerner, it is unnerving to hear your elevator operator utter a prayer before he closes the door, but for him this was a cultural habit, rooted deep in his tradition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Utters a prayer for the works of dervishes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is openly acknowledged when the chancellor, Philip Hammond, utters a prayer to "flush out the extremists" in the party.

The Guardian - Opinion

A worker slices the throats of Rhode Island Reds, uttering a prayer each time, according to the rites of Islam.

The New York Times

On Friday, he knelt, put his hands together, looked up and uttered a prayer after weighing in at 147 pounds, the welterweight limit.

The New York Times

After reading Matthew Brzezinski's article (Sept . 3, I actually threw the magazine to the floor and uttered a prayer for the Aniskin family.

The New York Times - Magazine

A Catholic priest in a white smock then trudged across the waterlogged field toward the formation, uttered a prayer and sprinkled holy water.

The New York Times

He said that this was a frequent condition and that he always uttered a prayer when he entered the tunnels but was afraid to complain to the railroad.

The New York Times

Hernandez skipped over the foul line and stared at the ground for a few seconds when he reached the mound, perhaps uttering a prayer.

The New York Times - Sports

Weekly churchgoing by the entire staff of the big house doesn't help to clarify matters, but the governess utters a prayer that gives the story its title.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utter a prayer", consider the context and choose the verb that best reflects the manner in which the prayer is spoken (e.g. "whisper", "recite", "offer").

Common error

Avoid using verbs that don't suit the tone or style of prayer. For instance, "shout a prayer" might be inappropriate in a solemn setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter a prayer" functions as a verb phrase, where "utter" acts as the main verb describing the action of expressing a prayer. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter a prayer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe the act of expressing a prayer aloud. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can vary based on context. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Wiki" sources, this phrase effectively conveys devotion, supplication, or gratitude. Consider alternatives like "say a prayer" or "recite a prayer" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

say a prayer

Focuses on the act of speaking a prayer, similar to the original phrase but more concise.

recite a prayer

Emphasizes the formal or memorized aspect of saying a prayer.

offer a prayer

Highlights the act of giving or presenting a prayer.

voice a prayer

Focuses on the vocal expression of the prayer.

speak a prayer

A more general way of saying a prayer aloud.

whisper a prayer

Implies a quiet or subdued way of praying.

express a prayer

Focuses on conveying the feelings or thoughts of the prayer.

articulate a prayer

Highlights the clear and distinct expression of the prayer.

intone a prayer

Suggests a chanting or melodic way of saying a prayer.

render a prayer

Implies a careful or artistic way of delivering the prayer.

FAQs

What does "utter a prayer" mean?

To "utter a prayer" means to speak or express a prayer aloud.

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

You can use alternatives like "say a prayer", "recite a prayer", or "offer a prayer", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "utter a prayer" or "say a prayer"?

"Utter a prayer" can be perceived as slightly more formal than "say a prayer", but both are generally acceptable in most contexts.

How do I use "utter a prayer" in a sentence?

You can use "utter a prayer" to describe someone expressing their devotion or seeking guidance. For example: "The priest began to utter a prayer for the departed."