Hello Alysa!. Differences between "por" and "para" Prepositions are elements that are used a lot but it is not easy to do it well. As that happens in other languages, the prepositions can cause us the odd break of head. Today we are going to explain the difference between two of the most important prepositions in our Language: POR and PARA. Speak Spanish with the prepositions POR and PARA The correct use of the prepositions POR and PARA is essential to speak Spanish. By used to explain the cause or motive of something; while para is used to refer to the purpose of an action. We do things POR a cause PARA achieve a purpose. Uses of POR We use the proposition by in the following cases, to indicate a cause, motive, or reason. Example: • Vine a Madrid por mi trabajo I came to Madrid for my work • He llegado tarde por el tráfico I'm late for traffic To indicate an approximate place, I pass through a place or space covered. Example: • El cine es por el centro The cinema is in the center • El ladrón entró por la ventana. The thief entered through the window • ¿Este autobus pasa por Madrid?. Does this bus pass through Madrid? To indicate approximate time, periodicity. Example: • Vine por navidad came home for Christmas. • Voy al teatro una vez por semana. I go to the theater once a week. Agent in the passive phrases. Example: • Está pintura fué hecha por Velázquez. This painting was painted by Velázquez. Medium. Example: • Me llamó por teléfono. You called me on the phone Distribution. Example: • La profesora distribuyó un folio por estudiante The teacher distributed one sheet per student. Equivalence. Example: • En el supermercado le han dado gato por liebre. In the market they have given him a cat for a hare. Price: used to sell. Example: • Compré una computadora por 130 euros. I bought a computer for 130 euros. Speed. Example: • La velocidad máxima en la carretera es 120 kilómetros por hora. The maximum speed on the highway is 120 kilometers per hour