What's This Por/Para?

Students often struggle to determine the appropriate use of the words “por” and “para,” which both mean “for” in the Spanish language. I am using this blog to first cite general uses of each word and then to list websites for practice exercises.

The Internet is extremely educational when used correctly. This blog (post) will help students take advantage of what the Internet has to offer. Students will also see that blogs are full of valuable information and not just social commentaries.

Using different resources and teaching devices can help maintain students’ focus and attention. The Internet, and blogs in particular, can help students use everyday technologies to learn AND understand difficult concepts.

StudySpanish.com has many great resources for students and teachers. The following are general rules from this website about the uses of Por and Para:

Por

• Rule: to express gratitude or apology
• Rule: for multiplication and division
• Rule: for velocity, frequency and proportion
• Rule: meaning "through," "along," "by" or "in the area of"
• Rule: when talking about exchange, including sales
• Rule: to mean "on behalf of," or "in favor of,"
• Rule: to express a length of time
• Rule: to express an undetermined, or general time, meaning "during"
• Rule: for means of communication or transportation
• Rule: in cases of mistaken identity, or meaning "to be seen as"
• Rule: to show the reason for an errand (with ir, venir, pasar, mandar, volver, and preguntar)
• Rule: when followed by an infinitive, to express an action that remains to be completed, use por + infinitive
• Rule: to express cause or reason
• Rule: "estar por" means to be in the mood, or inclined to do something
• Rule: in passive constructions

Para

• Rule: to indicate destination
• Rule: to show the use or purpose of a thing
• Rule: to mean "in order to" or "for the purpose of"
• Rule: to indicate a recipient
• Rule: to express a deadline or specific time
• Rule: to express a contrast from what is expected
• Rule: "estar para" to express an action that will soon be completed

To review these rules, watch this video clip from "esaudio" on YouTube:


Students, please complete at least FIVE of the TEN activities posted here throughout the week. Print off your results or have your parents complete the grade sheet with a signature for each activity completed (Check blackboard for copies of the form if you have run out).

1. Practice 1
2. Practice 2
3. Practice 3 (At least 15 Sentences)
4. Practice 4
5. Practice 5
6. Practice 6
7. Practice 7
8. Practice 8
9. Practice 9
10. Practice 10