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Why "a pray" is incorrect—understanding proper usage
Reviewed and edited by 
Anwar Kareem 03/01/2025, 00:43
Anwar Kareem 03/01/2025, 00:43English.me team member
What kind of error is it?
Grammatical error due to misuse of a verb as a noun
Why do people make this mistake?
People may mistakenly use "a pray" due to confusion between the verb "pray" and the related noun "prayer".
What is correct?
The correct usage depends on the intended meaning. If referring to the act of praying, the correct form is "a prayer". If describing the action, "pray" remains a verb without an article.
Examples of correct usage
- She said a prayer for her family's safety.
- They offered a prayer at the ceremony.
- He wrote a heartfelt prayer.
Grammar
