What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prayed
Example
She prayed for strength during this difficult time. [prayed: verb]
Example
He offered a prayer of thanks before the meal. [prayer: noun]
begged
Example
She begged her boss for a day off to attend her sister's wedding. [begged: verb]
Example
He fell to his knees and begged for forgiveness. [begged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pray is more commonly used than beg in everyday language, especially in religious or spiritual contexts. Beg is less common and can have negative connotations of subservience or desperation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prayed and begged?
Pray is typically associated with a formal or religious tone, while beg is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to express a sense of urgency or need.
