By vs. Per
What's the Difference?
By and per are both prepositions that are used to indicate a specific measurement or rate. However, there is a slight difference in their usage. By is often used to indicate a method or means of achieving something, while per is used to indicate a rate or ratio. For example, you might say "I will travel by car" to indicate the mode of transportation, but you would say "The cost is $10 per person" to indicate the rate per individual. Overall, both words serve a similar purpose in providing specific information, but their usage can vary depending on the context.
Comparison
| Attribute | By | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Indicates the method or agent performing an action | Indicates a rate, ratio, or proportion |
| Usage | Used to show the means or manner in which something is done | Used to express a rate or frequency |
| Examples | By car, by hand, by email | Miles per hour, cost per item, rate per hour |
| Measurement | Indicates the agent or instrument of an action | Indicates a division or ratio |
Further Detail
Definition
By and per are two prepositions that are commonly used in the English language. By is used to indicate the agent performing an action or the means through which something is done. For example, "The book was written by the author." On the other hand, per is used to indicate a rate or ratio, often meaning "for each" or "according to." For example, "The cost is $10 per person."
Usage
By is used in a variety of contexts, such as indicating the method of transportation ("I traveled by train"), the person responsible for something ("The report was written by Sarah"), or the deadline for completing a task ("Please submit your assignment by Friday"). Per, on the other hand, is used to express a rate or ratio, such as cost per unit, speed per hour, or frequency per week.
Meaning
By often implies a sense of agency or causation, indicating the person or thing responsible for an action or outcome. It can also suggest proximity or location, as in "The house by the lake." Per, on the other hand, focuses on the division or distribution of something, indicating a rate or proportion. For example, "The car can travel 30 miles per gallon."
Examples
- By: The letter was delivered by the mail carrier.
- By: The cake was baked by my sister.
- Per: The cost is $5 per hour.
- Per: The speed limit is 55 miles per hour.
Similarities
While by and per have distinct meanings and uses, they both serve to provide additional information about an action, rate, or relationship. They can both be used to clarify the manner in which something is done or the rate at which something occurs. Additionally, both prepositions are essential for conveying precise information in written and spoken communication.
Differences
One key difference between by and per is their primary function. By is typically used to indicate the agent or means of an action, while per is used to express a rate or ratio. Additionally, by is often used in a more general sense, while per is more specific and quantitative. For example, "I arrived by car" is more general than "The cost is $10 per person."
Conclusion
In conclusion, by and per are two prepositions that play important roles in the English language. By is used to indicate the agent or means of an action, while per is used to express a rate or ratio. While they have some similarities in providing additional information, they also have distinct differences in their primary functions and levels of specificity. Understanding the nuances of by and per can help improve clarity and precision in communication.
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