For vs. Per

Attribute	For	Per
Definition	Intended purpose or benefit	Rate or ratio
Usage	Used to indicate the reason or goal	Used to indicate a division or proportion
Examples	"For the greater good"	"Miles per gallon"
Measurement	Qualitative	Quantitative

Introduction

For and per are two commonly used prepositions in the English language. While they may seem similar in some contexts, they actually have distinct meanings and uses. In this article, we will explore the attributes of for and per, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Definition

For is a preposition that is used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action. It can also be used to show duration, purpose, or reason. For example, "I bought a gift for my friend" or "She is studying for her exams." On the other hand, per is a preposition that is used to indicate a rate, ratio, or frequency. It is often used in measurements or to express a division. For example, "The cost is $10 per person" or "He earns $20 per hour."

Usage

For is typically used when talking about someone or something benefiting from an action. It can also be used to express a duration or purpose. For example, "I made dinner for my family" or "She is going to the store for some groceries." Per, on the other hand, is used to indicate a rate or ratio. It is often used in mathematical or scientific contexts. For example, "The car can travel 30 miles per gallon" or "The recipe calls for 2 cups of flour per batch."

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between for and per:

• For: "I am saving money for a vacation."
• For: "She is studying for her exams."
• Per: "The cost is $5 per item."
• Per: "He runs 5 miles per day."

Similarities

While for and per have distinct meanings and uses, they do share some similarities. Both prepositions can be used to indicate a relationship between two things or to show a connection. They can also be used to express a quantity or amount. For example, "I need to buy a gift for my friend" and "The cost is $10 per person" both show a relationship between the subject and the object.

Differences

One key difference between for and per is their specific usage. For is used to indicate a recipient or beneficiary of an action, while per is used to indicate a rate or ratio. Additionally, for is often used in more general contexts, while per is used in more specific or technical contexts. For example, "I am cooking dinner for my family" is a general statement, while "The car gets 30 miles per gallon" is a specific measurement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, for and per are two prepositions with distinct meanings and uses. While they may seem similar at first glance, they have different applications in the English language. Understanding the differences between for and per can help you use them correctly in your writing and communication.