A2 Prepositions & Connectors 7 min read Easy

Deadlines & Due Dates (Para)

Use para when pointing to a specific future moment as a deadline or scheduled time.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'para' to express a specific deadline or a target date for completion.

  • Use 'para' + date/time to indicate a deadline: 'O relatório é para sexta-feira.'
  • Use 'para' to show a goal or target: 'Estudo para o exame.'
  • Do not use 'para' for duration (use 'por' instead): 'Trabalhei por duas horas.'
Subject + Verb + para + [Deadline/Date]

Overview

In Portuguese, the preposition para serves multiple crucial functions, often translating to 'for,' 'to,' or 'in order to.' When discussing time, para uniquely designates a temporal limit, a scheduled point, or a future allocation. It specifies by when an action must be completed, or when an event is set to occur. This function establishes para as the equivalent of English expressions like 'by,' 'for,' or 'due by' when referring to deadlines and appointments.

Mastering this usage allows you to articulate precise timing for obligations, meetings, and plans, moving beyond vague temporal references to clear, unambiguous communication. At the A2 level, understanding para for deadlines is fundamental for navigating everyday interactions involving scheduling and commitments.

How This Grammar Works

The temporal application of para is a direct extension of its core meaning of destination, purpose, or direction. Just as Vou para o Brasil (I'm going to Brazil) indicates a physical destination, O trabalho é para sexta-feira (The work is due by Friday) indicates a temporal destination or a deadline. The 'work' is directed towards 'Friday' as its completion point.
This preposition marks the endpoint of an action or the moment of occurrence for an event, rather than its duration or general timing.
Consider para as pointing an arrow towards a specific moment in the future. It signifies that by this point, an activity must be concluded, or at this point, an event is slated to begin or take place. This contrasts sharply with por, which typically denotes duration ('for how long').
For instance, Estudei por duas horas ('I studied for two hours' — duration) versus A prova é para amanhã ('The test is for tomorrow' — deadline).
Linguistically, para conveys an intention or a plan focused on a future time. It implies a sense of future orientation and a defined conclusion or start. This precision is vital in both formal and informal contexts.
When a Portuguese speaker uses para with a time expression, they are establishing a clear expectation regarding completion or commencement. For example, A reunião foi marcada para as 10h (The meeting was scheduled for 10 AM) explicitly states the intended start time, making 10h the designated temporal target for the meeting.

Formation Pattern

1
The structure for using para with deadlines and scheduled times is straightforward: [Action/Event] + para + [Time Expression]. The complexity often arises from the necessary contractions with definite articles that precede many Portuguese time expressions.
2
Here’s the basic formula:
3
para + [Definite Article (if needed)] + [Time Reference]
4
Contractions:
5
Portuguese frequently contracts prepositions with definite articles. While para itself does not change gender or number, it combines with the articles o (masculine singular), a (feminine singular), os (masculine plural), and as (feminine plural):
6
| Contraction | Expansion | Example | English Equivalent |
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| :---------- | :------------ | :------------------------ | :--------------------------- |
8
| para o | para + o | para o dia 15 | for the 15th (day) |
9
| para a | para + a | para a semana que vem | for next week |
10
| para os | para + os | para os exames | for the exams |
11
| para as | para + as | para as 14h | for 2 PM (the hours) |
12
Informal Contractions:
13
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, and increasingly in European Portuguese, these contractions are often shortened further in spoken language and casual writing (like texting). Para o becomes pro, and para a becomes pra.
14
O relatório é pra amanhã. (Informal for para amanhã)
15
Vamos pro cinema no sábado. (Informal for para o cinema no sábado, though para here is spatial, illustrating the contraction.)
16
Common Combinations and Articles:
17
Days of the Week: Days are feminine in Portuguese. However, para often appears directly before the day without an article, or with the feminine singular article a. Both para segunda-feira and para a segunda-feira are common. When explicitly referring to 'the day of', use o dia and thus para o dia de segunda-feira.
18
A reunião é para terça-feira. (The meeting is for Tuesday.)
19
Preciso do documento para a próxima sexta. (I need the document by next Friday.)
20
Specific Hours: When referring to specific hours (hora/horas), the feminine plural article as is almost always required, as you are referencing 'the hours'.
21
O voo está marcado para as 15h. (The flight is scheduled for 3 PM.)
22
Jantar é para as 20h. (Dinner is for 8 PM.)
23
Dates: Use para o dia or simply para followed by the date number.
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A entrega é para o dia 20. (The delivery is for the 20th.)
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O prazo é para 31 de dezembro. (The deadline is for December 31st.)
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General Time Periods: These typically require an article, matching the gender and number of the noun.
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O projeto é para o mês que vem. (The project is for next month.)
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Guardei dinheiro para as férias. (I saved money for the holidays.)

When To Use It

The preposition para with time expressions primarily serves three interconnected functions:
1. Expressing Deadlines and Due Dates (Temporal Limits)
This is the most common and crucial application of para at the A2 level. It signifies that an action or task must be completed by a particular time or date. It establishes a firm endpoint for an obligation.
  • O relatório final é para sexta-feira. (The final report is due by Friday.) This implies that Friday is the last permissible moment for submission.
  • Tenho de entregar o trabalho para amanhã. (I have to hand in the assignment by tomorrow.) Here, amanhã is the absolute limit for the action of 'handing in.'
  • O pagamento da fatura é para o dia 10. (The invoice payment is due by the 10th.) This clearly states the financial obligation's deadline.
2. Scheduling Appointments and Events (Designated Time of Occurrence)
Para is used to indicate when an event, meeting, or appointment is planned or scheduled to take place. It pinpoints the specific future moment for an occurrence.
  • Marcamos o jantar para as oito da noite. (We scheduled dinner for eight o'clock at night.) This sets a precise time for the event.
  • A consulta com o dentista está marcada para a próxima semana. (The dentist appointment is scheduled for next week.) Here, a próxima semana is the designated period for the appointment.
  • Eles planejaram a viagem para o verão. (They planned the trip for the summer.) O verão is the season allocated for the trip.
3. Allocating Time for Future Actions (Intended Future Slot)
While related to scheduling, this usage focuses on reserving a future time slot for a general action or a specific purpose. It's about setting aside a temporal window.
  • Deixei este capítulo para estudar para o fim de semana. (I left this chapter to study for the weekend.) The weekend is the intended time for this study activity.
  • Vamos guardar a sobremesa para depois do almoço. (Let's save the dessert for after lunch.) Depois do almoço is the designated eating time.
In essence, whenever you want to convey a definite temporal target—be it a deadline for completion, a fixed time for an event, or an allocated period for an activity—para is the indispensable preposition.

Common Mistakes

Learners of Portuguese, especially at the A2 level, frequently encounter specific challenges when employing para for deadlines and scheduled times. These errors often stem from direct translation from English or confusion with other prepositions that also deal with time.
1. Confusing Para with Por (Duration vs. Deadline)
This is arguably the most prevalent mistake. While both can sometimes translate to 'for' in English, their functions in Portuguese time expressions are distinct and non-interchangeable.
  • Para: Indicates a deadline, a specific future point, or a purpose for that specific time. It answers

Using 'Para' with Time

Structure Example Meaning
Para + Day
Para segunda
For Monday
Para + Date
Para o dia 10
For the 10th
Para + Time
Para as 8h
For 8 AM
Para + Noun
Para o exame
For the exam
Para + Verb
Para estudar
In order to study

Contractions

Full Form Contracted Form
Para o
Pro
Para a
Pra

Meanings

The preposition 'para' is used to define a specific point in time by which an action must be completed or a state must be reached.

1

Temporal Deadline

The final limit for an action.

“A tarefa é para amanhã.”

“O pagamento é para o dia dez.”

2

Target/Goal

Purpose or objective of an action.

“Estudo para aprender.”

“Comprei flores para ela.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Deadlines & Due Dates (Para)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
É para [tempo]
O prazo é para sexta.
Negative
Não é para [tempo]
Não é para hoje.
Question
É para [tempo]?
É para amanhã?
Short Answer
Sim, é para [tempo].
Sim, é para amanhã.
Goal
Para [verbo]
Estudo para aprender.
Deadline
Para [data]
Entrega para o dia 5.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
O relatório deve ser entregue para amanhã.

O relatório deve ser entregue para amanhã. (Work/Office)

Neutral
O relatório é para amanhã.

O relatório é para amanhã. (Work/Office)

Informal
O relatório é pra amanhã.

O relatório é pra amanhã. (Work/Office)

Slang
O relatório é pra ontem!

O relatório é pra ontem! (Work/Office)

The 'Para' Universe

PARA

Time

  • Amanhã Tomorrow
  • Segunda Monday

Goal

  • Estudar To study
  • Aprender To learn
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Examples by Level

1

O dever é para amanhã.

The homework is for tomorrow.

2

A reunião é para segunda.

The meeting is for Monday.

3

O presente é para você.

The gift is for you.

4

O voo é para as dez.

The flight is for ten o'clock.

1

Você tem o relatório para hoje?

Do you have the report for today?

2

O prazo final é para o dia 15.

The deadline is for the 15th.

3

Estou estudando para o exame.

I am studying for the exam.

4

Marcamos o jantar para as oito.

We scheduled dinner for eight.

1

O projeto foi adiado para o mês que vem.

The project was postponed for next month.

2

Não deixe para amanhã o que pode fazer hoje.

Don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today.

3

Prepare tudo para a chegada dos convidados.

Prepare everything for the guests' arrival.

4

O prazo para a entrega foi estendido.

The deadline for delivery was extended.

1

A expectativa é que o documento esteja pronto para a próxima reunião.

The expectation is that the document is ready for the next meeting.

2

Temos metas ambiciosas para o próximo semestre.

We have ambitious goals for the next semester.

3

O cronograma foi ajustado para acomodar os atrasos.

The schedule was adjusted to accommodate the delays.

4

É imperativo que a decisão seja tomada para o final do dia.

It is imperative that the decision be made by the end of the day.

1

O prazo estipulado para a conclusão da obra é improrrogável.

The deadline stipulated for the completion of the work is non-extendable.

2

A estratégia foi delineada para o longo prazo.

The strategy was outlined for the long term.

3

Reservamos este espaço para a conferência anual.

We reserved this space for the annual conference.

4

A proposta deve ser submetida para avaliação até sexta.

The proposal must be submitted for evaluation by Friday.

1

A transição foi planejada para ocorrer de forma gradual.

The transition was planned to occur gradually.

2

O edital prevê prazos rígidos para a contestação.

The public notice provides strict deadlines for contestation.

3

A alocação de recursos foi pensada para o desenvolvimento sustentável.

The resource allocation was designed for sustainable development.

4

O sistema foi otimizado para a alta demanda.

The system was optimized for high demand.

Easily Confused

Deadlines & Due Dates (Para) vs Para vs Por

Both can be translated as 'for' in English, leading to misuse.

Deadlines & Due Dates (Para) vs Para vs A

Sometimes 'a' is used for time (e.g., 'às duas').

Deadlines & Due Dates (Para) vs Para vs Até

Both can mean 'until' or 'by'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Trabalho por segunda.

✓

Trabalho para segunda.

Use 'para' for deadlines, not 'por'.
✗

É para as duas horas.

✓

É para as duas.

Often 'horas' is omitted in casual speech.
✗

Para mim é amanhã.

✓

É para amanhã.

Don't use 'para mim' (for me) when talking about a deadline.
✗

Eu faço para o dia.

✓

Eu faço para o dia 10.

You need to specify the date.
✗

Estudo para o teste por duas horas.

✓

Estudo para o teste por duas horas (correct, but don't confuse with deadline).

Distinguish between the goal (para) and the duration (por).
✗

A reunião é por segunda.

✓

A reunião é para segunda.

Again, 'por' is for duration.
✗

O prazo é para o mês.

✓

O prazo é para o final do mês.

Be specific with deadlines.
✗

O projeto é para durar uma semana.

✓

O projeto é para terminar em uma semana.

Use 'para' for the end point, not the duration.
✗

Ele marcou para a próxima semana.

✓

Ele marcou para a próxima semana.

This is correct, but ensure the verb matches.
✗

É para que eu faça.

✓

É para eu fazer.

Use the infinitive after 'para' when the subject is the same.
✗

A entrega é para ser feita.

✓

A entrega é para ser feita.

This is acceptable but can be simplified.
✗

O prazo foi para ontem.

✓

O prazo era para ontem.

Use imperfect for past deadlines.
✗

Para quando é o evento?

✓

Para quando é o evento?

Correct, but check formal register.
✗

A data é para o dia 10.

✓

A data é o dia 10.

Don't use 'para' if it's not a deadline.

Sentence Patterns

O/A ___ é para ___.

Estou estudando para ___.

Não deixe para ___ o que pode fazer hoje.

O prazo para ___ foi estendido para ___.

Real World Usage

Work Email constant

O relatório está pronto para a reunião de amanhã.

Texting Friends very common

O jantar é pra hoje, né?

Job Interview common

Estou disponível para começar a partir de segunda.

Food Delivery App constant

Entrega prevista para as 20h.

Travel Booking common

Reserva para o dia 10.

Social Media common

Contagem regressiva para o show!

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💡

Check the context

If you are talking about a deadline, always use 'para'. If you are talking about duration, use 'por'.
⚠️

Don't confuse 'pra' with 'para'

In formal writing, use 'para'. In casual texts, 'pra' is fine.
🎯

The 'By' Test

If you can replace the word with 'by' in English, 'para' is likely the correct choice.
💬

Regional Differences

Brazilians use 'pra' constantly; European Portuguese speakers prefer 'para' in most written contexts.

Smart Tips

Ask yourself: is it a deadline? If yes, use 'para'.

Trabalhei para duas horas. → Trabalhei por duas horas.

Always use 'para' instead of 'pra'.

O prazo é pra sexta. → O prazo é para sexta.

Use 'para' + infinitive verb.

Estudo para o teste. → Estudo para passar no teste.

Use 'para' + 'as' + time.

A reunião é para 10h. → A reunião é para as 10h.

Pronunciation

/ˈpa.ɾɐ/ vs /pɾa/

Para vs Pra

In Brazil, 'para' is almost always pronounced 'pra' in casual speech.

Deadline Emphasis

O prazo é para ↗SEXTA.

Rising intonation on the day emphasizes the urgency.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Para points to the finish line like an arrow.

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar on your wall. You draw a big red arrow pointing to a specific date. That arrow is the word 'Para'.

Rhyme

If the date is set and clear, use 'para' without fear.

Story

Maria has a big project. She marks the calendar with a red pen. 'This is for Friday,' she says. She writes 'PARA' in big letters on the date. She finishes it just in time.

Word Web

PrazoDataTempoObjetivoFinalEntrega

Challenge

Write down three things you need to do this week and add a 'para' deadline for each.

Cultural Notes

Brazilians are very casual with 'para' and will almost always use 'pra' in speech. It is perfectly acceptable in most non-official contexts.

In Portugal, 'para' is more commonly pronounced fully, especially in formal settings. 'Pra' is seen as very informal.

In both countries, deadlines are taken seriously, but the use of 'para' helps clarify expectations in a direct way.

The preposition 'para' originated from the combination of 'por' and 'a'.

Conversation Starters

“

Para quando é o seu próximo projeto?

“

Você marcou o médico para que dia?

“

Para que você está estudando português?

“

Você costuma deixar as coisas para a última hora?

Journal Prompts

Liste três tarefas que você tem para esta semana.
Descreva um objetivo que você tem para o final do ano.
Como você se sente quando tem um prazo apertado?
Reflita sobre a importância de definir prazos na vida profissional.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with 'para' or 'por'.

O trabalho é ___ sexta-feira.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
It is a deadline.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Trabalhei por duas horas.
Duration requires 'por'.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

O prazo é por amanhã.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O prazo é para amanhã.
Deadlines use 'para'.
Reorder the words to make a sentence. Sentence Building

para / é / amanhã / O / dever

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O dever é para amanhã.
Correct word order.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Quando é a reunião? B: É ___ segunda.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
Deadline.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1. Deadline, 2. Duration
Standard usage.
Select the correct preposition. Multiple Choice

Estudo ___ o exame.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
Goal.
Fill in the blank.

A entrega é ___ o dia 10.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
Specific date deadline.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with 'para' or 'por'.

O trabalho é ___ sexta-feira.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
It is a deadline.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Trabalhei por duas horas.
Duration requires 'por'.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

O prazo é por amanhã.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O prazo é para amanhã.
Deadlines use 'para'.
Reorder the words to make a sentence. Sentence Building

para / é / amanhã / O / dever

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O dever é para amanhã.
Correct word order.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Quando é a reunião? B: É ___ segunda.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
Deadline.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

1. Para amanhã | 2. Por duas horas

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1. Deadline, 2. Duration
Standard usage.
Select the correct preposition. Multiple Choice

Estudo ___ o exame.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
Goal.
Fill in the blank.

A entrega é ___ o dia 10.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
Specific date deadline.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Essa tarefa é ___ segunda-feira.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
Complete the casual phrase. Fill in the Blank

Vamos deixar isso ___ depois.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pra
Select the correct translation. Multiple Choice

This is for next year.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Isto é para o ano que vem.
Fix the preposition mistake. Error Correction

O voo está marcado por as 18h.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O voo está marcado para as 18h.
Match the portuguese phrases to their meaning. Match Pairs

Match the time phrases.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Deadline\/Due tomorrow","Duration\/Through tomorrow","Until tomorrow (Good bye)"]
Unscramble the sentence. Sentence Reorder

reunião / para / A / marcada / hoje / está

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A reunião está marcada para hoje
Choose the correct contraction. Fill in the Blank

O convite é ___ o sábado. (Informal)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pro
Which fits the context of a homework deadline? Multiple Choice

Context: Teacher speaking.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O texto é para sexta.
Translate 'Is this for now?' Translation

Translate: Is this for now?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Isto é para agora?
Correct the mistake. Error Correction

Marquei a viagem por dezembro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Marquei a viagem para dezembro.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Não tenho planos ___ o fim de semana.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para
Select the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence implies a due date?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O pagamento é para o dia 5.

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

No, use 'por' for duration. 'Para' is only for deadlines or goals.

Yes, it is a common contraction of 'para' in Brazil, especially in speech.

You can use 'para' for both, e.g., 'O projeto é para segunda e o relatório para terça'.

No, 'para' is invariant. However, it contracts with articles (para + o = pro, para + a = pra).

Yes, 'A reunião é para as 10h' means the meeting is scheduled for 10 AM.

Yes, but it is usually written as 'para' rather than 'pra'.

'Até' means 'until', while 'para' means 'due by'.

Check if you were describing duration or a point in time. If it's duration, use 'por'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

para

Usage is nearly identical.

French moderate

pour

French 'pour' is less strictly tied to deadlines than Portuguese 'para'.

German partial

für / bis

Portuguese combines these into one word.

Japanese low

made / tame ni

Portuguese uses one preposition for both.

Arabic low

li / hatta

Different grammatical structures for time.

Chinese low

wèi / dào

No direct prepositional equivalent.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Portuguese 'Para': Giving to Recipients (for, to)

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