we pray that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we pray that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a religious or formal context to express a hope or desire for something to happen. Example: "As we gather here today, we pray that peace and understanding will prevail among all nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We pray that right will overpower wrong.

The Guardian

We pray that we get that help".

The New York Times - Sports

We pray that he is at peace.

The New York Times

We pray that they'll stop.

The Guardian

"We pray that he will not falter"...

The New York Times - Sports

We pray that she doesn't die".

The New York Times

"We pray that there will be no trouble," he said.

The New York Times

"We pray that she will be healthy soon".

The New York Times - Sports

"We pray that we have more leaders like him".

Independent

We pray that they will not make mistakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

We pray that things go well for you".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we pray that" when expressing a sincere hope or wish, especially in formal or religious contexts. Be mindful of the tone and audience, as it carries a degree of solemnity.

Common error

Avoid using "we pray that" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even insincere. Opt for alternatives like "we hope" or "we wish" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we pray that" functions as a performative utterance expressing a wish or hope, often directed towards a higher power or in a formal setting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English, primarily serving to convey a sense of supplication or earnest desire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we pray that" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey a sincere hope or wish, frequently within formal or religious settings. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, highlighting its primary function of expressing supplication or earnest desire. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where a degree of solemnity is appropriate, with alternatives like "we hope that" being more suitable for informal situations. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, formal statements, and academic writing, demonstrating its broad applicability across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we hope that

This alternative is a more common and less formal way to express a desire for something to happen.

our hope is that

Emphasizes the hope itself, rather than the act of praying.

we wish that

Similar to "we hope that", but can sometimes imply a less realistic expectation.

it is our prayer that

A more formal and often religious phrasing, emphasizing the act of prayer.

we ask that

Directly requests something, removing the element of hope and focusing on a formal request.

our desire is that

Focuses on the desire for something to occur, with a slightly more personal tone.

we implore that

A stronger, more earnest version of "we ask that", conveying urgency and deep concern.

we appeal that

Similar to "we ask that", but indicates a more formal or legal context.

we beseech that

An archaic and highly formal way of pleading or begging.

we trust that

Expresses confidence that something will happen, rather than a hope.

FAQs

What does "we pray that" mean?

The phrase "we pray that" is used to express a sincere hope or wish, often in a formal or religious context. It conveys a sense of earnest desire for something to happen.

When is it appropriate to use "we pray that"?

It is appropriate to use "we pray that" in formal settings, religious ceremonies, or when expressing a deeply felt hope. It is less suitable for casual conversation.

What can I say instead of "we pray that"?

You can use alternatives like "we hope that", "we wish that", or "we ask that" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "we pray that" more formal than "we hope that"?

Yes, "we pray that" is generally more formal and carries a stronger religious connotation than "we hope that". The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.