student asking question

Can I say "pilgrims" instead of "travelers"? Because the monologue seems quite religious.

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

I do not think you can change the word travelers for pilgrims. A pilgrim has a specific purpose, usually religious, for going somewhere. Pilgrims travel to places, villages, cities or sites that have been declared "holy" by their religion. Travelers however travel to places to see the sights and visit the famous monuments. They do not necessarily have any special reason for going to a place. Since the boys in this clip did not travel to this river for a religious reason, it would not be correct to call them pilgrims. Ex: Many Catholic pilgrims go to Vatican City to see the Pope. Ex: Thousands of Muslim pilgrims travel to Mecca every year. Ex: I love to travel to other countries and see new things. Ex: I am just a traveler. I don't like to stay in one place for too long.

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