we pray you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we pray you" is correct and usable in written English, though it is somewhat archaic.
It can be used in formal or literary contexts, often to make a polite request or appeal. Example: "We pray you, grant us your favor in this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We pray you have found peace.

The New York Times

"We pray you can get us out of this mess," she wrote.

The New York Times

Fellow-bards, we pray you, tune your Harps and strum for John F. , Jr

The New Yorker

We pray you will be known as having brought peace to all the regions where there has been strife and peace and no need for Guantanamo Bay detention centre".

The Guardian

"Lord, we pray you will send a legion of angels to stand among them," said Beth Brown, 36, the wife of the pastor, who was kneeling at the front of the church.

The New York Times

At least I didn't have it as bad as Hannah, one of Liddiard's research interviewees: "A lot of friends will ask, 'Does Shaun's willy work?'" Or Kadeem: "Family members made comments like, 'We pray you get better so you can and have kids' … that broke my heart".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Be a feminist, we pray thee, Be a feminist, we pray thee.

The Guardian - Books

I deliberately used archaic language for the chorus: "banish" rather than "drive out" and "we pray thee", a supplication not in the original.

The Guardian - Books

We prayed you'd come.

The New Yorker

Seven cords or more per day: How each night he seeks his closet, There, alone, to kneel and pray.... Any lie you tell we'll swallow Swallow any kind of mixture: But oh! don't, we beg and pray you Don't, for God's sake, show his picture.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are saying to King Abdullah, we support you, we pray for you, we can learn a lot from you," says Richard Cizik, a vice-president of the National Association of Evangelicals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose of your communication. If your goal is clarity and directness, a more modern alternative like "we ask you" may be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "we pray you" in informal or casual settings. Its formality can sound out of place and even comical if not used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we pray you" is to serve as a polite and formal request or appeal. It's a construction where "we" is the subject, "pray" is the verb, and "you" is the object. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though it notes the phrase's archaic nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we pray you" is a grammatically sound but archaic phrase used for making polite requests or appeals. Ludwig AI identifies its correctness, while also acknowledging its infrequent use in modern English. It is best suited for formal or literary contexts, as highlighted by its presence in academic, news, and wiki sources. For contemporary communication, consider more direct alternatives like ""we ask you"" or ""we request you"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we beseech you

A highly formal and somewhat archaic alternative, similar in tone but less common.

we ask you

This is a more direct and modern alternative, lacking the archaic tone.

we entreat you

Another formal alternative, suggesting a sincere and earnest request.

we request you

Similar to "we ask you", but slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of requesting.

we appeal to you

Focuses on making a formal appeal, often in a public or official context.

we respectfully ask

Adds a tone of deference and politeness to the request.

we implore you

Conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, making it stronger than the original.

we urge you

Implies a strong recommendation or encouragement, rather than a direct request.

we beg you

Indicates a humble and desperate request, often used in situations of great need.

we solicit your support

This phrase is specific to requesting assistance or backing for a cause.

FAQs

What does "we pray you" mean?

The phrase "we pray you" is an archaic way of saying "we ask you" or "we request you". It's a formal expression used to make a polite request or appeal.

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

"We pray you" is best used in formal, literary, or historical contexts where its archaic tone is fitting. Using it in modern, casual settings may sound unnatural. Consider alternatives such as "we ask you" or "we request you" in contemporary communication.

What are some alternatives to "we pray you"?

Alternatives to "we pray you" include "we ask you", "we request you", "we implore you", or "we urge you". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the urgency of the request.

Is "we pray you" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we pray you" is grammatically correct, although it is an archaic construction. It follows the standard subject-verb-object order. However, its use is infrequent in modern English, making alternatives often more suitable.