Per

Yazar

29/12/2025

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Per (preposition) = for each; according to; in relation to a single unit.

At its most basic level, per is used to show a rate, ratio, or distribution. It tells you how something is measured, paid, counted, or applied one unit at a time. When you hear prices, salaries, speeds, or rules, per is almost always involved.

In everyday life, per is everywhere: salaries are paid per month, speed is measured per hour, prices are listed per item, and limits are set per person. It helps make comparisons fair and clear by standardizing measurement.

Per also appears in more formal or rule-based language to mean according to or as stated by, especially in written instructions, reports, or official communication.

The word itself is short and neutral, but extremely powerful — it defines structure, limits, and expectations.

Examples from the street:

“$10 per hour” → for each hour worked
“Two tickets per person” → each person gets two
“Per the instructions, submit the form online” → according to the instructions

2. Most Common Patterns

per hour / day / week / year → rate over time
per person → distribution
per item / unit → pricing
miles per hour → speed measurement
per capita → per person (formal)
per + rules / agreement / instructions → according to

3. Idiomatic / Usage Notes

Note: There are no phrasal verbs directly containing “per”. These expressions reflect its most common functional uses.

as per → according to (formal)Example: “As per company policy, refunds are not available.”
per se → by itself; intrinsicallyExample: “The problem isn’t the rule per se, but how it’s applied.”

4. Example Sentences

The job pays $25 per hour→ You earn that amount for each hour worked.
There is a limit of one drink per customer→ Each customer may have only one.
The speed limit is 60 miles per hour→ Maximum allowed speed.
The hotel charges per night, not per stay→ Payment is calculated daily.
The instructions, per the contract, must be followed exactly→ According to the agreement.
The average cost per student has increased→ Cost calculated for each learner.
This app charges per download→ Payment applies to each installation.
Each group is allowed two entries per day→ Daily limit per group.
Calories per serving are listed on the label→ Nutrition information per portion.
He earns more per project than per month→ Income is task-based.
Per my lawyer’s advice, I didn’t comment on the issue.→ I acted exactly according to the advice.
The gym costs $30 per month. → You pay that amount each month

5. Personal Examples

I often calculate lesson time per student to make sure everyone gets equal attention→ Fair distribution in teaching.
Tracking new words learned per week helps me stay motivated in English study→ Progress measured consistently.