In this lesson, you will learn about the Spanish prepositions POR vs PARA. Actually, this is one of the topics my students request me the most. Practically, every time I ask in class if they have any questions, it does not matter what we are talking about, someone asks me to explain the differences between POR and PARA.
This is because these two prepositions are widely translated as FOR by English speakers studying Spanish. Nevertheless, both can be used in several different ways, and especially important, they are used in many idiomatic expressions that make difficult a simple grammar explanation. So, the first piece of advice, take it easy and pay attention to examples.
Today we are going to watch a video, created by Real Fast Spanish, in which you will learn the most challenging uses of POR and PARA, explained in English, but we also have many samples for you to review and practice and see the differences, exercises to practice everything you have learned and a final test for you check your knowledge ¡Vamos a empezar!
POR vs PARA: everything you must know
This video is going to avoid those basic uses of POR and PARA that more of the students know. Anyway, we have another post about POR vs PARA to express motion and destination, that maybe you want to visit before watching the video.
Now get ready with a pencil and paper and start watching the video. Stop the video as many times as you need and write the main rules and examples in your notebook, to review later.
I hope you have enjoyed the video and you have found it useful. Anyway, don’t forget you can get in touch with your tutor with any questions you have about the differences between POR and PARA. Don’t you have a personal Spanish tutor yet?
POR and PARA revision and examples
In the table below you will find some of the main uses of the Spanish prepositions POR and PARA with corresponding examples, which will help you understand each case. Write your own examples following the models and leave them in the comments, we will correct and explain them for you.
POR and PARA quizzes and exercices
Here is a test to see if you have assimilated all the information in the video well, watch it again if you have problems answering the questions or consult your tutor.