A2preposition 1K

Per

🇬🇧 UK /["/pə(r)//pɜː(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/pər//pɜːr/"]/

Meaning of Per

used to express the cost or amount of something for each person, number used, distance travelled, etc.

In simple words: for each or by means of.

Per in a sentence

• Rooms cost £50 per person, per night.
• 60 **miles per hour**
• France consumes around 200 000 tonnes of cocoa **per year**.
• This country has a higher crime rate per 100 000 of the population than most other European countries.
• The work was carried out as per instructions.
• Everyone blamed me as per usual.

How to use Per

Use 'per' when giving rates or amounts, like 'per hour' or referencing a rule, like 'as per your request'. It’s formal and often appears in written English.

Grammar pattern

per + noun or object

Memory hint

Think of 'per' as a 'pair' of things, each having a value.

Related words

Collocations with Per

• per person
• per day
• per month
• per the agreement

Synonyms for Per

• for each
• according to
• by
• in relation to

Opposites of Per

• excluding
• less than

Common mistakes with Per

• 'Per' is sometimes confused with 'by', especially in informal contexts.
• 'Per' is often improperly used with plural nouns (e.g., 'per items' instead of 'per item').
• Learners may forget to follow 'per' with a clear noun or amount.

Frequently asked questions about Per

What does Per mean?

for each or by means of.

What is the definition of Per?

used to express the cost or amount of something for each person, number used, distance travelled, etc.

How do you use Per in a sentence?

Rooms cost £50 per person, per night.

Can you give another example of Per?

60 **miles per hour**

What are synonyms for Per?

Common alternatives include for each, according to, by, in relation to.

What is the opposite of Per?

Opposite meanings include excluding, less than.

What words go with Per?

It commonly pairs with per person, per day, per month, per the agreement.

What are common mistakes when using Per?

'Per' is sometimes confused with 'by', especially in informal contexts. 'Per' is often improperly used with plural nouns (e.g., 'per items' instead of 'per item'). Learners may forget to follow 'per' with a clear noun or amount.

How do you pronounce Per?

US: /["/pər//pɜːr/"]/, UK: /["/pə(r)//pɜː(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Per?

Use 'per' when giving rates or amounts, like 'per hour' or referencing a rule, like 'as per your request'. It’s formal and often appears in written English.

What CEFR level is Per?

"Per" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.