What is per? Pronunciation and usage in English

per means . Learn how to pronounce and use per through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of per

perpreposition

/pəː/
Definition & pronunciation of per

The pronunciation of "per" in English depends on the context! There are two main ways it’s pronounced:

1. /pər/ (Rhymes with "fur") - This is the most common pronunciation.

  • Meaning: It’s a preposition meaning "through," "for," or "by means of."
  • Example: “He walked per the forest.” (meaning “through the forest”) “This gift is per you.” (meaning “for you”)

2. /pɜː/ (Rhymes with "ear") – Less common, but used in some words.

  • Meaning: Primarily used in the word “percent.”
  • Example: “10 per cent.”

Here's a breakdown to help you:

  • Stress: In /pər/, the stress is on the second syllable ("r").
  • Vowel Sound: The vowel sound in /pər/ is just like the “ur” sound in “fur.”

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you hearing or trying to pronounce "per"? (e.g., “percent,” “through,” “for”)

Usage and examples with the word per in English

The word "per" is a versatile preposition and adverb in English with a few distinct meanings and usages. Here's a breakdown:

1. "Per" as a Preposition (Meaning "Each" or "For Each")

This is the most common use of "per." It indicates a rate or amount for each individual item or person.

  • Structure: amount per unit
  • Examples:
    • $5 per hour: You earn $5 for each hour you work. (Rate of pay)
    • 100 apples per bag: There are 100 apples in each bag. (Quantity per item)
    • 20 students per class: There are 20 students in each class. (Number of people per group)
    • 50 miles per gallon: The car gets 50 miles for every gallon of gas. (Distance traveled per unit of fuel)
    • $1 per person: The cost is $1 for each person.

2. "Per" as an Adverb (Meaning "According to" or "Every")

In this use, "per" indicates a frequency or a period of time. It's often used with nouns referring to time or intervals.

  • Structure: per + noun
  • Examples:
    • Per week: I go to the gym per week. (Meaning: every week)
    • Per month: He earns a salary per month. (Meaning: each month)
    • Per minute: The phone call lasted per minute. (Meaning: every minute)
    • Per hour: They work per hour. (Meaning: during each hour)
    • Per day: The company operates per day. (Meaning: on each day)

3. "Per" in Statistics (Often with "cent")

You'll sometimes see "per cent" (or simply, "percent") which is the same as "per hundred." It indicates a proportion or percentage.

  • Example: "He scored 98 per cent on the exam." (He scored 98 out of 100.)

Key Differences and How to Tell Them Apart:

Feature "Per" as Preposition "Per" as Adverb
Function Indicates a rate/amount Indicates frequency/period
Followed by Unit (hour, bag, gallon) Noun (week, month, minute)
Example $2 per book Per day

Tips for Using "Per" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The surrounding words will usually make the meaning clear.
  • Think about what you're measuring: If you’re talking about a rate, use "per." If you’re talking about time or frequency, use “per.”
  • When in doubt, look it up: A dictionary can always clarify!

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific sentence with "per"?
  • Practice using "per" in a quiz format?

Synonyms for the word per

Idioms of the word per

as per something
following something that has been decided
  • The work was carried out as per instructions.
as per normal/usual
(informal)in the way that is normal or usual; as often happens
  • Everyone blamed me as per usual.

Practice with vocabulary per

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The production line is designed to assemble 30 units _____ hour.
  2. Each team member is allotted a budget of $500 _____ quarter for professional development.
  3. The marketing team meets _____ Friday to review campaign progress.
  4. Please ensure that all delegates receive _____ copy of the agenda upon arrival.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The company policy states that employees are reimbursed $0.55 _____ for mileage. A) on B) per mile C) each mile D) at every mile

  2. The maximum speed limit on this highway is 70 miles _____. A) on hour B) each hour C) at hour D) per hour

  3. The sales team aims to acquire 15 new clients _____ quarter. A) each B) per C) for every D) a

  4. The department convenes for a brief stand-up meeting _____ morning. A) per B) each C) at D) during

  5. Please submit your individual reports _____ end of the business day. A) at the B) per C) for D) on the

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: We allocate 2 hours of training to every new employee. (Rewrite using "per")

  2. Original: The cost of the materials is $10 for each square meter. (Rewrite using "per")

  3. Original: The company processes hundreds of invoices per day. (Rewrite, but do not use "per")

Answer

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. per
  2. per
  3. every
  4. a

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) per mile
  2. D) per hour
  3. A) each, B) per
  4. B) each
  5. A) at the

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We allocate 2 hours of training per new employee.
  2. The cost of the materials is $10 per square meter.
  3. The company processes hundreds of invoices daily.

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