By vs. Per

'By' and 'per' are prepositions that refer to measurments. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

What Is Their Main Difference?

'by' and 'per' are prepositions of measure. Their main difference is in the factors they measure. 'By' shows measurements and quantity. 'Per' measures rates and prices.

Per

Per (Rates)

'Per' is used to show rates and prices or measurements. We use 'per' to convey the meaning 'for each.' Here are some examples for clarity.

He charges 1 dollar per line.

He was driving 270 miles per hours.

Per (Date)

You may have heard phrases such as 'per hour,' 'per week,' 'per month.' These phrases are used commonly in English to express what happens during each 'hour,' 'week,' and 'month.' For example:

The prices have increased by 13 percent per year.

I receive up to 500 calls per week.

By

'By' is used to give the measurements of places and objects or show the amount of something. It is also used as a unit of measurement that shows the quantity. This is commonly used in business matters. For example:

The container is 17 meters by 10 meters.

The workers are payed by the hour.

Idiom 'By the Hour'

The idiom 'by the hour' is used to mean 'per hour.' It shows something that occurs at an hourly rate. In this case, you can replace 'by the hour' with 'per hour.' Here are some examples:

He gets paid by the hour. Of course he will take too long.

He gets paid per hour. Of course he will take too long.

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