Difference between "par" and "pour" in French

Understanding the difference between "par" and "pour" is crucial for French learners. These prepositions can be tricky as they both translate to "for" or "by" in English, but their usage in French is quite distinct. Let's break down when to use each one.

When to Use "Par"

"Par" is generally used to indicate:

1. The agent of an action
2. Means or method
3. Distribution
4. Passage through

Examples of "Par" Usage:

1. Le livre a été écrit par Victor Hugo. (The book was written by Victor Hugo.)
2. Je voyage par avion. (I travel by plane.)
3. Il gagne 20 euros par heure. (He earns 20 euros per hour.)
4. Nous sommes passés par Paris. (We passed through Paris.)
5. Elle a envoyé le colis par la poste. (She sent the package by mail.)
6. L'information a été transmise par téléphone. (The information was transmitted by phone.)
7. Il est entré par la fenêtre. (He entered through the window.)
8. Les étudiants apprennent par cœur. (The students learn by heart.)

When to Use "Pour"

"Pour" is typically used to express:

1. Purpose or intention
2. Destination
3. Duration
4. Exchange or price
5. Recipient
6. Opinion or feeling towards someone or something

Examples of "Pour" Usage:

1. J'étudie pour devenir médecin. (I study to become a doctor.)
2. Ce cadeau est pour toi. (This gift is for you.)
3. Il part pour Londres demain. (He's leaving for London tomorrow.)
4. Nous restons ici pour trois jours. (We're staying here for three days.)
5. J'ai acheté ce livre pour 10 euros. (I bought this book for 10 euros.)
6. Elle travaille pour une grande entreprise. (She works for a big company.)
7. Pour moi, c'est une bonne idée. (In my opinion, it's a good idea.)
8. Il a beaucoup d'affection pour ses grands-parents. (He has a lot of affection for his grandparents.)

Key Differences

Agent vs. Purpose

• Use "par" to indicate who performed an action.
• Use "pour" to show the purpose or intention of an action.

Example:

• La maison a été construite par mon père. (The house was built by my father.)
• La maison a été construite pour ma famille. (The house was built for my family.)

Method vs. Duration

• Use "par" to describe the method or means.
• Use "pour" to indicate duration.

Example:

• Je vous contacterai par email. (I will contact you by email.)
• Je serai absent pour une semaine. (I will be absent for a week.)

Distribution vs. Exchange

• Use "par" for distribution or frequency.
• Use "pour" for exchange or price.

Example:

• Il prend des cours deux fois par semaine. (He takes classes twice per week.)
• J'ai vendu ma voiture pour 5000 euros. (I sold my car for 5000 euros.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don't use "par" for duration: Incorrect: Je reste ici par trois jours. Correct: Je reste ici pour trois jours.

2. Don't use "pour" to indicate the agent of an action: Incorrect: Le tableau a été peint pour Picasso. Correct: Le tableau a été peint par Picasso.

3. Be careful with expressions:

   • "Par exemple" (for example) always uses "par"
   • "Pour l'instant" (for now) always uses "pour"

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use these prepositions in context, the more natural their usage will become. Try creating your own sentences using "par" and "pour" to reinforce your understanding of these important French prepositions.