hope and pray

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to wish very strongly that something will happen, sometimes with a prayer.

   Grammar: Often followed by that and a clause: I hope and pray that she is safe. Also used before for + noun: hoping and praying for rain.

   Patterns

   • hope and pray that + clause
   • hope and pray for something
   • be hoping and praying

   We hope and pray that the missing hikers are found soon.

   She was hoping and praying for good news from the doctor.

   They hope and pray for peace in the region.

2. 2phraseidiomfigurative

   to want something so much that you do everything you can to make it happen.

   Grammar: Used to show strong effort and desire together: We can only hope and pray that the plan works.

   Patterns

   • can only hope and pray
   • hope and pray for the best

   With the storm coming, the farmers can only hope and pray for the best.

   We have done all we can; now we hope and pray.

Common combinations

hope and pray for the best

There is nothing left to do but hope and pray for the best.

hope and pray that

I hope and pray that you get the job.

can only hope and pray

We can only hope and pray that the damage is not too bad.

Synonyms and how they differ

wish

Means to want something to be true or to happen, but without the strong emotional or religious feeling of hope and pray.

long for

Shows a deep desire for something, often over time; hope and pray focuses more on a specific outcome.

Word family

hope verb

To want and expect something good to happen.

pray verb

To speak to a god or to wish strongly for something.

Commonly confused: hope and pray or hoping against hope?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “hope and pray”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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