Completa Estas Oraciones Con Las Preposiciones Por O Para

Complete These Sentences with the Prepositions “Por” or “Para”

Choosing between the Spanish prepositions "por" and "para" can be tricky, even for advanced learners. Both translate roughly to "for" or "by" in English, but their usage depends heavily on context. Mastering this distinction is crucial for fluent and accurate Spanish communication. This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of "por" and "para," providing clear explanations, examples, and exercises to solidify your understanding.

Understanding the Core Differences: Por vs. Para

At their core, "por" and "para" represent different types of relationships. Think of "por" as indicating reason, cause, or exchange, while "para" suggests purpose, destination, or benefit. Let's break this down further:

Por: Reason, Cause, Exchange, Duration, Movement

We use "por" to express:

• Reason or cause: This is when something happens because of something else.

  • Ejemplo: Lloré por la tristeza. (I cried because of the sadness.)
  • Ejemplo: Fue arrestado por robar un banco. (He was arrested for robbing a bank.) (Note: "for" in this case indicates the reason for the arrest, not the purpose.)

• Exchange or price: This refers to the price paid or something given in exchange.

  • Ejemplo: Compré este libro por diez dólares. (I bought this book for ten dollars.)
  • Ejemplo: Lo cambié por un coche nuevo. (I traded it for a new car.)

• Duration or time: This signifies how long something lasts.

  • Ejemplo: Trabajé por cinco años en esa empresa. (I worked for five years at that company.)
  • Ejemplo: Esperé por una hora. (I waited for an hour.)

• Movement or passing through: This indicates passage through a place or a means of transportation.

  • Ejemplo: Viajé por tren. (I traveled by train.)
  • Ejemplo: Pasé por la calle principal. (I passed by Main Street.)

Para: Purpose, Destination, Benefit, Recipient

We use "para" to express:

• Purpose or intention: This explains the reason behind an action, often indicating a goal or objective.

  • Ejemplo: Estudio para ser médico. (I study to be a doctor.)
  • Ejemplo: Necesitamos dinero para comprar una casa. (We need money to buy a house.)

• Destination or recipient: This signifies where something is going or who it's intended for.

  • Ejemplo: Este regalo es para ti. (This gift is for you.)
  • Ejemplo: El tren para Madrid sale a las 10. (The train for Madrid leaves at 10.)

• Benefit or advantage: This indicates something done in order to benefit someone or something.

  • Ejemplo: Hice esto para ayudarte. (I did this to help you.)
  • Ejemplo:* Es una buena oportunidad para el país. (It's a good opportunity for the country.)

Exercises: Strengthening Your Understanding

Now let's put your knowledge to the test with some exercises. Choose the correct preposition, "por" or "para," to complete each sentence.

Exercise 1: Basic Level

1. Luchamos _______ la justicia. (We fight _______ justice.)
2. Ella trabaja _______ una compañía grande. (She works _______ a big company.)
3. Compré un coche _______ 15,000 euros. (I bought a car _______ 15,000 euros.)
4. Voy al supermercado _______ comprar leche. (I'm going to the supermarket _______ buy milk.)
5. Espero _______ ti en la esquina. (I'll wait _______ you on the corner.)
6. Viajé _______ Estados Unidos el año pasado. (I traveled _______ the United States last year.)
7. Estudié mucho _______ el examen. (I studied a lot _______ the exam.)
8. Trabajé _______ diez años en ese banco. (I worked _______ ten years at that bank.)
9. Este regalo es _______ mi abuela. (This gift is _______ my grandmother.)
10. Lo hice _______ ti. (I did it _______ you.)

Exercise 2: Intermediate Level

1. Ella fue arrestada _______ conducir ebria. (She was arrested _______ drunk driving.)
2. El perro ladraba _______ el cartero. (The dog was barking _______ the postman.)
3. Me inscribí en la universidad _______ obtener un título. (I enrolled in university _______ obtain a degree.)
4. Pasé _______ el parque camino a casa. (I passed _______ the park on my way home.)
5. El avión despega _______ Nueva York. (The plane takes off _______ New York.)
6. Lucharemos _______ nuestros derechos. (We will fight _______ our rights.)
7. Necesitamos más dinero _______ pagar las facturas. (We need more money _______ pay the bills.)
8. Lo siento, pero no lo puedo hacer _______ ti. (I'm sorry, but I can't do it _______ you.)
9. He viajado _______ todo el mundo. (I have traveled _______ the whole world.)
10. Trabaja _______ una organización benéfica. (She works _______ a charity organization.)

Exercise 3: Advanced Level

These sentences require a deeper understanding of context and subtle differences.

1. Me esforcé mucho _______ obtener esa beca. (I worked very hard _______ to obtain that scholarship.)
2. El concierto fue cancelado _______ la lluvia. (The concert was canceled _______ the rain.)
3. Fue premiado _______ su trabajo excepcional. (He was awarded a prize _______ his exceptional work.)
4. Esta receta es _______ cuatro personas. (This recipe is _______ four people.)
5. Espero que esto sirva _______ algo. (I hope this serves _______ something/purpose.)
6. Sufrí mucho _______ esa enfermedad. (I suffered a lot _______ that illness.)
7. Lucharon _______ su libertad. (They fought _______ their freedom.)
8. Escribí esta carta _______ explicar la situación. (I wrote this letter _______ to explain the situation.)
9. El libro está escrito _______ estudiantes de nivel intermedio. (The book is written _______ intermediate-level students.)
10. Esta máquina es _______ cortar madera. (This machine is _______ cutting wood.)

Answer Key

Exercise 1:

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Exercise 2:

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Exercise 3:

1. para
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Conclusion: Mastering Por and Para

Understanding the subtle yet significant differences between "por" and "para" is a cornerstone of mastering Spanish. By focusing on the underlying concepts of reason/cause versus purpose/benefit, you can improve the accuracy and fluency of your Spanish. Consistent practice with exercises like those provided above will reinforce your understanding and build your confidence in choosing the correct preposition in any given context. Keep practicing and refining your skills, and you'll soon be navigating these prepositions with ease!