Micro Class Por and Para

The Prepositions "Por" and "Para" -- Some Clarification:

Both of these prepositions translate into English as "for," but they can´t be used interchangeably, because they don´t really mean the
same thing. There are very distinct uses for them, so lets take a look at HOW they are used. Then, perhaps, we can have a better
understanding of the sometimes subtle, sometimes not so subtle, differences between them.

POR:

"Por" means "for," "by," "through," or "on account of," "per" (as in per annum), and (sometimes) "with". How do we get all of these out of
"por" and how do we know when it means which?

Some examples might serve to illustrate the different uses of this preposition. Let´s try a couple on for size.

        He threw it out (through) the window.                                              Lo tiró por la ventana.

        I have studied Spanish for many years.                                          He estudiado el castellano por muchos años.

        This book is written by Grisham.                                                      Este libro es escrito por Grisham.

        I have done it for you (on account of you).                                       Lo he hecho por ti.

        We´re going by (by means of) airplane.                                          Vamos por avión.

        They were talking by telephone.                                                        Hablaban por teléfono.

        The speed limit is 30 kilometres per hour.                                     El limite de velocidad es 30 kilometros por hora.

        I saw him do it with my own eyes. (manner)                                   Lo he visto hacerlo por mis propios ojos.

        Thank you for your visit.                                                                       Gracias por la visita.

"Por "more often expresses cause or motive or agent. Consider it to be a causal word, i.e., a word indicating the cause of something.
It also is sometimes used to indicate something remaining undone, i.e., "por" plus an infinitive (I still have homework to do) or to
express an opinion (He takes me for a fool).

PARA:

"Para" generally indicates purpose, rather than cause. The best way to keep this one straight is to substitute "in order to" in the
sentence. If "para" can be correctly translated in the sentence as "in order to" then its probably the correct choice, as opposed to "por".
It also expresses movement toward a place or time in the future. It is used in comparisons and for specifying the purpose for which
something is intended.

Again, let´s look at some examples.

        You must study to learn.                                                                     Hay que estudiar para aprender.

        The flight for Madrid leaves at 4:00.                                                  El vuelo para Madrid sale a las 4:00.

        We have an appointment on Tuesday.                                             Tenemos una cita para el martes.

        For his age, he reads well.                                                                  Para su edad sabe leer muy bien.

        This gift is for my mother.                                                                     Este regalo es para mi madre.

Another distinction that was made for me many years ago by way of clarifying "para" had to do with cups and glasses. Distinguish the
following:

        un vaso de agua                                                  or                               una taza de té
        un vaso para agua                                                                                 una taza para té

Using "de," we have "a glass of water" and "a cup of tea". Using "para," we have "a teacup" and "a water glass", i.e., a cup used for tea
and a glass used for water. Purpose.

Please understand that this is one of the most confusing issues in Spanish, if for no other reason than that there can be sentences in
which "por" and "para" can have almost identical meanings where purpose or intention is expressed.   Example: "Estoy aquí por estar
con mi padre" and " Estoy aquí para estar con mi padre."

This is also one of those issues in the language in which the Spanish speaker always knows what should be used and is most
willing to correct. I think that these two prepositions, improperly used, are for Spanish speakers a bit like fingernails scraping down a
painted glass. It annoys them so much when these two are used incorrectly that they cannot help but to correct the foreigner who
misuses them. For me, thats a bit of relief, and it should be for you, too. It means that, after repeated corrections by native speakers,
we might eventually get them straight in our heads.

They are confusing, but, please, dont lose sleep over them.