Mastering ‘Per’: A Key Word for B1 English Proficiency
Imagine you’re preparing for a high-stakes English proficiency test, and you come across a small but mighty word that’s essential for expressing rates, distributions, and proportions.
That word is “per”.
Today, we’re going to explore this versatile preposition that’s crucial for B1 level English mastery.
Word type: Per is primarily used as a preposition in English, though it can occasionally function as an adverb.
Meaning: At its core, “per” means “for each” or “for every”.
It’s used to express rates, prices, or proportions in relation to a specific unit.
This simple word allows us to convey complex information succinctly, making it invaluable in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
Word history: The word “per” comes directly from Latin, where it had a similar meaning.
It entered the English language in the 15th century and has since become an integral part of our vocabulary, especially in formal and technical contexts.
Antonyms: While “per” doesn’t have direct antonyms, words that express totality rather than distribution could be considered opposites in certain contexts.
These include “total”, “altogether”, and “in sum”.
Synonyms: Some synonyms or phrases with similar meanings include “for each”, “a”, “per each”, and “for every”.
However, it’s important to note that “per” is often the most concise and formal option.
Examples use in sentences:
Let’s look at some examples to see how “per” is used in context.
The company’s new policy allows for two days of remote work per week.
The recipe calls for 300 grams of flour per loaf of bread.
The speed limit on this highway is 120 kilometers per hour.
Our energy consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours per month.
The hotel charges fifty dollars per night, not including taxes.
Common errors in use: Despite its simplicity, “per” can sometimes be misused.
One common error is redundancy, such as saying “per each” instead of just “per”.
Another mistake is using “per” when a different preposition would be more appropriate.
For example, saying “as per usual” instead of “as usual” is considered incorrect in formal English.
Additionally, be careful not to confuse “per” with “as per”.
While “per” stands alone, “as per” is used to mean “according to” or “in accordance with”.
To wrap up, mastering the use of “per” is crucial for expressing rates and proportions accurately in English.
Remember, it’s a preposition meaning “for each” or “for every”.
Use it confidently in your writing and speech, but be mindful of common errors.
With practice, you’ll find that this small word can significantly enhance the precision and sophistication of your English expression, helping you excel in your B1 level proficiency test and beyond.
