When you pray, you talk to a god. People often pray to say thank you or to ask for help. For example, if you are hoping for good weather, you might say, "I pray it doesn't rain tomorrow." So, pray means to speak to a god or to hope very strongly for something.
§ How to use 'pray' in a sentence
The verb 'pray' is quite versatile and can be used in several grammatical structures depending on the nuance you want to convey. Understanding these structures will help you use it accurately and naturally.
- Transitive vs. Intransitive Use
- 'Pray' can be used both transitively (with a direct object) and intransitively (without a direct object). When used intransitively, it typically refers to the act of speaking to a deity or spiritual power.
She likes to pray every morning.
Here, 'pray' is used intransitively. No object is needed because the act of praying itself is the focus.
- Pray for (someone/something)
- This is a very common construction when you are asking for help or good things to happen for someone or something. The preposition 'for' indicates the beneficiary or the object of the prayer.
We will pray for your speedy recovery.
Many people pray for peace in the world.
In these examples, 'your speedy recovery' and 'peace in the world' are the things being prayed for.
- Pray to (a deity/spiritual power)
- When you want to specify who or what you are speaking to, you use the preposition 'to'.
They pray to God every night.
In some cultures, people pray to their ancestors.
- Pray that (something will happen)
- This structure is used when 'pray' means to express a strong hope or wish for something to occur. The 'that' clause introduces the desired outcome.
I pray that you have a safe journey.
We pray that the weather will be good for our picnic.
- Pray for + infinitive
- This construction is less common but can be used, particularly in older or more formal English, to mean 'ask earnestly for something to happen.'
She prayed for him to succeed.
More commonly, you would say 'She prayed that he would succeed.' The 'pray for + infinitive' structure can sound a little more formal.
§ Common Phrases and Idiomatic Use
'Pray tell': This is an archaic or very formal expression used to ask someone to say or explain something. It's often used with a touch of sarcasm or mock surprise today.
And pray tell, what makes you think that?
'Pray God' or 'Pray to God': These are often used as exclamations to express a strong wish or hope, even if not literally invoking a deity.
Pray God, they arrive safely!
§ Verb Forms
Like most regular verbs in English, 'pray' follows a straightforward pattern for its forms:
Base form: pray
Third person singular present: prays
Past simple: prayed
Past participle: prayed
Present participle/Gerund: praying
Understanding these grammatical structures and common phrases will significantly improve your ability to use 'pray' effectively in various contexts, whether you are expressing a religious act, a deep hope, or even a rhetorical question.
难度评级
short
short
short
short
习语与表达
"Pray tell"
Please tell me (often used to express curiosity or to ask for information in a somewhat dramatic or rhetorical way).
Pray tell, what brings you to our humble abode?
formal"To pray for the best"
To hope that a situation will turn out well, even if the odds are against it.
The doctors have done all they can; now we just have to pray for the best.
neutral"To pray on someone's mind"
To be a source of worry or concern for someone.
Her financial troubles have been praying on her mind for weeks.
neutral"Pray God"
Used to express a strong wish or hope that something will happen.
Pray God the weather holds out for our picnic.
neutral"Pray to God for guidance"
To seek spiritual direction or help from a higher power.
When faced with difficult decisions, many people pray to God for guidance.
neutral"To pray for rain"
To hope for something specific to happen, often something that is greatly needed.
The farmers are praying for rain after weeks of drought.
neutral"To pray at the altar of something"
To devote oneself excessively to something, often something material or worldly.
He spent his life praying at the altar of wealth and power.
formal"To pray on one's knees"
To beg or plead earnestly for something, often showing humility or desperation.
She prayed on her knees for her son's safe return.
neutral"Pray be seated"
A polite, somewhat old-fashioned way of asking someone to sit down.
Pray be seated, we have much to discuss.
formal"Pray for mercy"
To ask for forgiveness or leniency, especially from an authority figure.
The prisoner could only pray for mercy from the judge.
neutral记住它
记忆技巧
Imagine a **P**erson **R**eaching **A**ll the wa**Y** up to the sky, asking for something. This reminds you that 'pray' is about speaking to a higher power.
视觉联想
Picture someone kneeling by their bed with their hands clasped, looking up with a hopeful expression. A soft light shines down on them.
Word Web
挑战
Think of three things you might pray for or hope for today, and write them down. Then, try to use the word 'pray' in a sentence about one of those things.
常见问题
10 个问题While related, 'pray' usually refers to speaking to a divine being, often asking for something or giving thanks. 'Worship' is a broader term that encompasses various acts of showing reverence and adoration for a deity, which can include praying but also singing, meditating, or performing rituals. Think of praying as a specific action within the larger act of worship.
Yes, absolutely! While its primary meaning is religious, 'pray' can also be used to express a very strong hope or desire for something to happen. For example, you might say, 'I pray it doesn't rain tomorrow' if you have an outdoor event planned. It shows a strong wish, even without a religious context.
For the most part, yes. In its common usage, 'pray' functions as a verb, describing the action of speaking to a divine power or expressing a strong hope. While there's a less common, archaic use of 'pray' as an interjection (like 'Pray tell, what happened?'), in modern English, it's almost always a verb.
Some common phrases include: 'pray for' (e.g., 'pray for peace'), 'pray to' (e.g., 'pray to God'), 'pray that' (e.g., 'I pray that everything goes well'). You might also hear 'pray tell' (an old-fashioned way of asking someone to explain something) or 'pray, what is that?' (similarly old-fashioned).
It's a regular verb! Here's how it goes:
- Present Simple: I/you/we/they pray, he/she/it prays
- Past Simple: prayed
- Present Participle: praying
- Past Participle: prayed
They are pronounced exactly the same! Both 'pray' (as in, to speak to a god) and 'prey' (as in, an animal hunted by another) are pronounced with the /preɪ/ sound. This makes them homophones.
No, not really in modern English. While in older English you might have heard 'I pray you, do this for me,' today, it sounds very formal and archaic. If you want to ask a person for something, it's better to use verbs like 'ask,' 'request,' or 'beg,' depending on the context.
When referring to the religious meaning, some synonyms include beseech, implore, entreat, or supplicate. When expressing a strong hope, you might use phrases like hope earnestly, wish fervently, or cross your fingers (informal).
The noun form related to 'pray' is prayer. A 'prayer' is the act of praying, or the words you say when you pray. For example, 'She said a prayer for her family.'
Generally, 'pray' is a fairly neutral word when used in its religious sense. When used to express a strong hope (e.g., 'I pray it works out'), it can sound a bit more emphatic, but it's not strictly formal or informal. It's widely understood in both contexts.
自我测试 36 个问题
What do people do when they want to talk to God?
To pray means to speak to a god or a spiritual power.
If you really hope for something good to happen, what can you say?
To pray can also mean to express a very strong hope that something will happen.
Which word is about talking to a spiritual power?
The word 'pray' means to speak to a god or a spiritual power.
When you pray, you are speaking to a spiritual power.
The definition of pray includes speaking to a god or a spiritual power.
You can say 'I pray' when you have a strong hope for something.
Pray is used to express a very strong hope that something will happen.
Praying is only for giving thanks, not for asking for help.
Praying is for both giving thanks and asking for help.
She would often ___ for guidance before making important decisions.
To 'pray' means to speak to a god or spiritual power, often for guidance or help.
We can only ___ that the weather will be good for our picnic tomorrow.
In this context, 'pray' is used to express a strong hope that something will happen.
The congregation gathered to ___ for peace in the world.
To 'pray for peace' is a common expression meaning to ask a higher power for peace.
Before the exam, he would often ___ that he would pass.
Here, 'pray' expresses a strong hope or desire for a positive outcome.
Many people ___ before meals as a way to give thanks.
To 'pray before meals' is a common religious practice for expressing gratitude.
She closed her eyes and began to ___ silently for her family's safety.
To 'pray silently' is a common way to communicate with a spiritual power.
Imagine you are facing a difficult situation and you decide to pray for help. Write a short paragraph describing what you would pray for and why. Use the word 'pray' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I would pray for strength to overcome this difficult situation. I would also pray for guidance to make the right decisions and for peace of mind. I truly hope that everything will turn out well.
Write a short message to a friend who is going through a tough time. In your message, express your support and tell them you will pray for them.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hey, I heard you're going through a tough time. I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and sending my best wishes. I'll definitely pray for you and hope things get better soon. Stay strong!
Describe a time when you strongly hoped for something to happen. Explain what you hoped for and how you felt. Use the word 'pray' in the sense of 'strongly hope'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I remember when I was waiting for my exam results, I would pray that I had passed. I really needed that grade to get into my chosen course. The suspense was almost unbearable, and I kept my fingers crossed, hoping for the best possible outcome.
According to the passage, what is one common reason people pray?
Read this passage:
Many people find comfort in prayer during challenging times. For some, it's a way to connect with their faith and ask for divine intervention. Others might simply use it as a moment of reflection, to focus their thoughts and express their deepest hopes for a better future. Regardless of the specific belief, the act of praying often provides a sense of peace and a way to cope with uncertainty.
According to the passage, what is one common reason people pray?
The passage states, 'For some, it's a way to connect with their faith and ask for divine intervention.'
The passage states, 'For some, it's a way to connect with their faith and ask for divine intervention.'
What did the athlete pray for before her race?
Read this passage:
A young athlete was about to compete in the most important race of her life. She had trained for years for this moment. Before the whistle blew, she closed her eyes for a brief moment and silently prayed for strength and focus. She wasn't asking for victory, but for the ability to perform her best and to overcome any nervousness she felt.
What did the athlete pray for before her race?
The passage clearly states, 'she silently prayed for strength and focus. She wasn't asking for victory, but for the ability to perform her best.'
The passage clearly states, 'she silently prayed for strength and focus. She wasn't asking for victory, but for the ability to perform her best.'
What is a common underlying intention of prayer across different cultures?
Read this passage:
In many cultures, there are specific rituals and traditions associated with prayer. These can range from quiet personal meditation to communal gatherings with chanting and elaborate ceremonies. While the forms may differ, the underlying intention often remains the same: to express gratitude, seek guidance, or make an earnest request. It's a universal human practice that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
What is a common underlying intention of prayer across different cultures?
The passage mentions, 'the underlying intention often remains the same: to express gratitude, seek guidance, or make an earnest request.'
The passage mentions, 'the underlying intention often remains the same: to express gratitude, seek guidance, or make an earnest request.'
This sentence expresses a hopeful wish for global peace.
This sentence describes an action of seeking spiritual help before a significant event.
This sentence shows an expression of strong hope for favorable weather.
This sentence expresses a hope for global peace, aligning with the second part of the definition of 'pray'.
This sentence uses 'pray' in the context of speaking to a spiritual power to give thanks, which is part of the definition.
This sentence exemplifies 'pray' as expressing a very strong hope, in this case, for no rain.
The congregation gathered to ___ for peace amidst the escalating conflict.
'Supplicate' implies a humble and earnest prayer, fitting the solemnity of the context at a C2 level.
Despite the dire prognostication, they continued to ___ fervently for a miraculous recovery.
'Intercede' suggests praying on behalf of another, which aligns with the hope for a recovery, at a C2 level.
I ___ that cooler heads will prevail in this delicate diplomatic situation.
'Ardently hope' conveys a strong, passionate wish, which is a nuanced and appropriate C2-level expression.
The ancient scriptures instruct believers to ___ without ceasing, maintaining constant spiritual vigilance.
'Commune' implies a close spiritual interaction, which is a sophisticated interpretation of prayer at a C2 level.
In moments of profound crisis, many instinctively ___ for divine intervention.
'Implore' suggests an urgent, desperate plea, fitting for a profound crisis and appropriate for a C2 level.
She would often ___ in silent contemplation, seeking guidance from a higher power.
'Supplicate' is a formal and elevated term for praying, often used in a reverent or humble context, fitting for C2.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
例句
They pray before meals.
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