Uses of Por

The general English translation of “por” and “para” is “for” however “por” and “para” in Spanish suggest different meanings, therefore “por” or “para” is used depending on context.

Uses of POR – Medium/ Source, Proportion/ Unit of measure, Cause/ Motive, Mode, In exchange for, Substitute/on behalf of, Duration or Length of time
Examples:
(a) Medium/Source (Through/Along/By/By means of) –

1. El libro fue escrito por Daniel Vásquez – The book was written by Daniel Vásquez

2. Yo enviaré la carta por correo – I will send the letter by post

3. Todos los domingos damos un paseo por esta calle y por el arquet – Every Sunday we take a walk along this street and through the park

4. El ladrón entró por la ventana – The thief entered (got in) through the window

5. Él es bien conocido por todo el país – He is well known throughout the country

(b) Proportion/ Unit of measure/Multiplication (per) –

1. Uno por persona – One per person

2. 20 por ciento – 20 percent

3. Pagamos el alquiler por mes – We pay rent per month

4. Él cobra 30 dólares por hora – He charges $30 per hour

5. Cinco por cinco – 5 times 5 (5x5)

(c) Cause/ Motive (because of) –

1. No hay clases por la lluvia – There are no clases because of the rain

2. Ellos salieron del edificio por frustración – They left the building out of frustration

3. Alguien sano se enferma por beber agua contaminada – Someone healthy becomes sick from drinking contaminated áter

(d) Mode (in) –

1. Por escrito – In writing

2. Pensar por adelantado – To think in advance

(e) In exchange for –

1. Yo pague cien dólares por estaos zapatos – I paid $100 for these shoes

2. Mi tío cambió su carro por una motocicleta – My uncle exchanged his car for a motorcycle

(f) Substitute/ On behalf of –

1. Mi mama aceptó el premio por mi papa – My mom accepted the prize on behalf ofmy dad

2. Maria actuará por Ana en la obra – Maria will take Ana’s role in the play

(g) Duration/Length of time –

1. Me voy ort res semanas de vacaciones – I am going on 3 weeks of vacation

2. Ellos vendrán por un mes – They will be coming for a month

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