Portuguese Preposition 'Por': Means, Methods, and Agents
por to explain how things happen (means) and who makes them happen (agent) using essential contractions.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'por' to express means, agents in passive voice, duration, and exchange; it is the 'through' or 'by' of Portuguese.
- Use 'por' for the agent of a passive action: 'O livro foi escrito por ele.'
- Use 'por' for means or medium of communication: 'Falei com ela por telefone.'
- Use 'por' for duration of time: 'Estudei por duas horas.'
Overview
The Portuguese preposition por is a highly versatile and fundamental word, essential for expressing complex relationships within a sentence, particularly concerning means, methods, and agents. At its core, por functions as a linguistic connector, establishing a link between an action or state and the instrument, channel, or entity responsible for it. It often translates to 'by,' 'through,' or 'via' in English, but its precise application in Portuguese is nuanced and context-dependent.
This preposition is crucial for moving beyond basic sentence structures. Mastering por allows you to specify how something was done, by whom an action was performed, or through what medium information was conveyed. A key characteristic of por is its frequent contraction with definite articles (o, a, os, as), forming pelo, pela, pelos, and pelas.
These contractions are not merely stylistic choices but integral parts of grammatical correctness and natural speech, reflecting a linguistic tendency towards conciseness and fluidity.
Understanding the underlying principles of por illuminates how Portuguese grammar builds connections between different elements of a narrative. It allows you to articulate causality, instrumentality, and agency, which are vital for nuanced communication at the B1 CEFR level and beyond. This rule interconnects with broader concepts of paths, durations, and exchanges, showcasing its central role in the language's prepositional system.
How This Grammar Works
Por primarily operates in two significant grammatical contexts when expressing means, methods, and agents: specifying the agent of a passive voice construction and denoting the means or channel through which an action occurs. These functions are distinct yet share the common thread of identifying the force or medium behind an event.por introduces the agent in a passive voice sentence, it indicates who or what performed the action on the grammatical subject. This is analogous to the English 'by' in phrases like "The book was written by the author." The passive construction shifts focus from the doer to the receiver of the action, with por then reintroducing the original actor. For instance, in A decisão foi tomada pelo conselho, pelo conselho specifies the entity responsible for a decisão.por signifies the means or channel, it details the instrument, method, or medium utilized to accomplish an action. This application reveals how something was done or through what it occurred. Common examples include modes of communication, such as enviar por e-mail (to send by email), or specific routes, as in passar pela floresta (to pass through the forest).por acts as an indicator of the conduit or mechanism, providing essential contextual information about the verb's execution.Por acts as a marker that attributes the completion of an action either to a direct agent or to an indirect method/channel. This fundamental function allows for a richer and more detailed description of events, distinguishing Portuguese from languages that might employ different prepositions or grammatical structures for similar purposes.por in these contexts highlights a grammatical economy, where a single preposition fulfills related but distinct relational roles.Formation Pattern
por often involves its contraction with definite articles, a process known as crasis. These contractions are mandatory when por precedes a definite article, and failing to use them sounds unnatural and grammatically incorrect to native speakers. The formation follows a clear pattern based on the gender and number of the noun the article modifies. Before moving onto the rules and usage, understand that there are circumstances where por is not contracted, such as when it precedes a pronoun, a cardinal number, or a proper noun that typically does not take an article.
Por with Definite Articles:
Por + Article | Contraction | Gender & Number |
por + o | pelo | Masculine Singular |
por + a | pela | Feminine Singular |
por + os | pelos | Masculine Plural |
por + as | pelas | Feminine Plural |
O relatório foi revisado pelo gerente. (The report was revised by the manager.)
A carta foi escrita pela minha avó. (The letter was written by my grandmother.)
Os livros foram lidos pelos alunos. (The books were read by the students.)
por (or its contractions) to introduce the agent. The formula is:
[Subject] + [Verb 'ser' conjugated] + [Past Participle (agrees with Subject)] + por/pelo/pela + [Agent]
A casa foi construída pela equipe. (The house was built by the team.) – casa (feminine singular) -> construída (feminine singular)
Os carros foram reparados pelos mecânicos. (The cars were repaired by the mechanics.) – carros (masculine plural) -> reparados (masculine plural)
por indicates the means, method, or channel, its structure is generally:
[Action/Verb] + por/pelo/pela + [Means/Method/Channel]
por connects the action directly to the medium through which it occurs.
Eu enviei o documento por fax. (I sent the document by fax.) – fax does not take a definite article in this context, so no contraction.
Falei com ela pelo telefone. (I spoke with her by phone.) – telefone (masculine singular) -> pelo.
Entramos pela porta dos fundos. (We entered through the back door.) – porta (feminine singular) -> pela.
Por Does Not Contract:
Por remains uncontracted in several situations, primarily when the following word is not a definite article:
Ela fez isso por mim. (She did that for me/because of me.)
Ele passou por uma ponte. (He passed through a bridge.) – often rephrased for clarity.
Ele dividiu o bolo por dois. (He divided the cake by two.)
Ficarei por aqui. (I'll stay around here.)
A obra foi inspirada por Machado de Assis. (The work was inspired by Machado de Assis.) Note that in some European Portuguese dialects and certain Brazilian Portuguese uses, articles are common with proper nouns (o João), leading to contractions (pelo João). However, when no article is used, por remains separate.
When To Use It
por is employed in a variety of contexts to specify the means, methods, or agents of an action. Its application often hinges on whether you are describing the actor behind a passive event, the instrument used, or the channel through which something passes or is transmitted.- Agent of a Passive Voice Verb: This is one of the most straightforward and consistent uses. When a sentence is in the passive voice (using the verb
serfollowed by a past participle),porintroduces the performer of the action. This structure emphasizes the result or the object acted upon, with the agent as secondary information. O livro foi escrito pela autora brasileira.(The book was written by the Brazilian author.)As regras foram criadas pelos membros da comissão.(The rules were created by the committee members.)O edifício foi projetado por um arquiteto renomado.(The building was designed by a renowned architect.)
- Means or Method of Action (Instrumentality):
Porindicates the tool, device, or procedure used to accomplish an action. This is particularly common with actions involving communication or creation. Enviei a mensagem por e-mail.(I sent the message by email.)Aprendi a notícia pelo rádio.(I learned the news by radio.)Cortamos o pão com a faca, mas a fatia foi feita por um movimento preciso.(We cut the bread with the knife, but the slice was made by a precise movement.) – Illustratesporfor the method rather than the instrument itself.
- Channel or Path (Movement Through): When an action involves movement through a space, medium, or specific route,
por(or its contractions) denotes this channel. This is distinct from simplyem(in) ora(to) as it implies passage. Passamos pelo túnel.(We passed through the tunnel.)O rio corre pela cidade.(The river runs through the city/city-wide.)A luz entra pela janela.(The light enters through the window.)
- Distribution or Rate ('Per'): Although often covered in a separate rule chapter,
poris used to express rates, frequencies, or distribution, equivalent to 'per' or 'each' in English. This also falls under a 'method' of calculation or distribution. Custa dez euros por pessoa.(It costs ten euros per person.)Ele trabalha oito horas por dia.(He works eight hours per day.)
- Media and Platforms: In modern usage,
porspecifies the platform or medium through which content is accessed or consumed. Assisti à série pela Netflix.(I watched the series on Netflix.)Vi o vídeo pelo YouTube.(I saw the video on YouTube.)Fiquei sabendo pelo jornal.(I found out through the newspaper.)
- Approximate Location or Time:
Porcan indicate an approximate location or time, often translating to 'around' or 'about'. This is a more abstract form of 'means' or 'path' in terms of approximation. Ele deve estar por aqui.(He must be around here.)Chegarei por volta das três.(I will arrive around three o'clock.)
por's role in conveying crucial information about the mechanism, origin, or trajectory of an action or state. Its consistent use in these patterns reinforces the systematic nature of Portuguese grammar, where underlying meanings are expressed through specific prepositional choices.Common Mistakes
por from other prepositions, particularly para and de. These distinctions are crucial for conveying precise meaning and avoiding misunderstandings. Additionally, errors in contractions and participle agreement in the passive voice are common.- Confusing
PorwithPara: This is arguably the most frequent and significant error. While both can mean 'for' or relate to purpose, their underlying meanings are distinct. Por(Cause, Path, Means, Agent, Duration): Focuses on the reason, route, method, performer, or length of time. It implies movement through, exchange, or an underlying cause.Eu fiz isso por você.(I did this for/because of you/on your behalf.) – Implies the reason or beneficiary of the action.Passamos pelo parque.(We passed through the park.) – Implies movement via a route.Para(Purpose, Destination, Recipient, Deadline): Focuses on the goal, end-point, receiver, or future time limit. It implies intention or direction.Eu comprei um presente para você.(I bought a gift for you.) – Implies you are the recipient.Vamos para a praia.(We are going to the beach.) – Implies destination.- Incorrect:
O livro é por mim.(Implies the book was written by me or because of me.) - Correct:
O livro é para mim.(The book is for me, i.e., I am the recipient.)
Porvs.Defor Modes of Transport: In English, 'by bus,' 'by car' is common. In Portuguese, the distinction betweendeandporfor transportation is subtle and often context-dependent, with significant regional variation.De(General Mode of Transport): Generally used to specify the type of transport taken without emphasizing the route or specific passage.Eu vou trabalhar de carro.(I go to work by car.)Ela prefere viajar de trem.(She prefers to travel by train.)Por(Specific Route or Medium of Passage within Transport): Used when emphasizing the route taken or the medium through which one travels, or in passive constructions where the vehicle acts as an agent.O trem passou pelo túnel.(The train passed through the tunnel.)A mercadoria será entregue pelo correio.(The goods will be delivered by mail.)- (Less common for general 'by car' in BP, but possible for emphasis:
Pelo carro, ele conseguiu fugir.- By means of the car, he managed to escape.) - Mistake:
Vou por ônibus.– While grammatically comprehensible,Vou de ônibusis the overwhelmingly natural and common expression in Brazilian Portuguese for 'I go by bus.' In European Portuguese,deis also more common.
- Forgetting Contractions (
por oinstead ofpelo): Omitting the contractionspelo,pela,pelos,pelasis a common error that marks a learner. Native speakers instinctively contract these prepositions and articles. Sayingpor a ruainstead ofpela ruasounds awkward and halting. This reflects an incomplete assimilation of phonological rules where the article coalesces with the preposition.
- Incorrect Past Participle Agreement in Passive Voice: Learners often incorrectly make the past participle agree with the agent of the passive sentence rather than the subject.
- Incorrect:
A carta foi escrito pelo João.(The letter was written by João.) –carta(feminine singular) butescrito(masculine singular). - Correct:
A carta foi escrita pelo João.–escrita(feminine singular) agrees witha carta.
- Overuse of
porwith names: Whilepelo Joãois common in certain contexts (especially European Portuguese and some Brazilian dialects where articles precede proper names), simplypor Joãois often preferred in more formal contexts or when the article is omitted with the name. The presence or absence of the definite articleo/abefore a proper noun directly impacts whether a contraction occurs. When unsure, observe native usage in the specific region.
Real Conversations
Understanding por in its natural habitat – real-world communication – is paramount. Native speakers effortlessly weave por and its contractions into everyday speech, texts, and social media interactions, often in ways that reflect brevity and immediate context. The examples below demonstrate its use beyond formal grammar exercises, showcasing its dynamic role in conveying essential information about means, agents, and paths in modern Portuguese.
- Texting and Instant Messaging: Conciseness is key in digital communication, and por helps convey information efficiently.
- "Te mando a foto pelo WhatsApp." (I'll send you the photo via WhatsApp.) – Here, pelo specifies the digital channel. This is far more common than mando a foto no WhatsApp when emphasizing the act of sending through the application.
- "Vi seu recado pelo grupo." (I saw your message through the group.) – Referring to a group chat or online forum.
- Social Media and Online Content: Por is frequently used to attribute content or indicate the platform it was accessed on.
- "Esse meme foi criado pela nossa equipe." (This meme was created by our team.) – Classic passive voice attribution.
- "Fiquei sabendo da notícia pelo Instagram." (I found out about the news via Instagram.) – Specifies the source platform.
- "Muita gente passa pelas mesmas coisas." (Many people go through the same things.) – Expressing experiencing something.
- Work and Professional Contexts: In professional settings, por is indispensable for clarity in reporting, delegation, and official communication.
- "O relatório final será entregue pelo departamento de marketing." (The final report will be delivered by the marketing department.) – Agent of action in a formal context.
- "A aprovação veio por e-mail." (The approval came by email.) – Identifying the communication method.
- "Precisamos passar pelos trâmites burocráticos." (We need to go through the bureaucratic procedures.) – Denoting a necessary process or path.
- Casual Conversation and Everyday Situations: From describing a journey to explaining how something broke, por is an integral part of daily dialogue.
- "Passa por aqui mais tarde, a gente toma um café." (Come by here later, we'll have a coffee.) – por aqui implies passing through or by a location.
- "A janela foi quebrada pelo vento forte." (The window was broken by the strong wind.) – Attributing an action to a non-human agent.
- "Vamos pelo caminho mais curto." (Let's go by the shortest way/route.) – Indicating the chosen path.
These examples illustrate that por is not confined to formal grammar but is a vibrant component of how Portuguese speakers communicate effectively and naturally. Its presence often implies a dynamic relationship between the elements of a sentence, emphasizing the medium, the actor, or the route involved in an action.
Quick FAQ
por in various contexts.- Q: Can
poralso mean 'because of' or 'on behalf of'? - A: Absolutely.
Poroften expresses a motive or reason, translating to 'because of' or 'for the sake of.' It can also indicate representation, meaning 'on behalf of.' Ele fez tudo por amor.(He did everything for/because of love.)Falei por ele na reunião.(I spoke on behalf of him at the meeting.)
- Q: What about
porfollowed by an infinitive verb? - A: When
poris followed by an infinitive verb, it typically expresses an action that remains to be done or a reason/cause. This is a common construction. As tarefas estão por fazer.(The tasks are yet to be done/remain to be done.)Ele foi punido por mentir.(He was punished for lying.)
- Q: How do I say 'by myself' or 'on my own'?
- A: While
por mimcan sometimes translate as 'by me' (as an agent, e.g.,foi feito por mim), it more commonly means 'as far as I'm concerned' or 'in my opinion.' For 'by myself' or 'on my own,' more idiomatic expressions are used. Eu fiz isso sozinho.(I did that by myself/alone.)Ele vive por conta própria.(He lives on his own.)Por mim, podemos ir.(As far as I'm concerned, we can go.)
- Q: Is
pelo(the contraction) the same word aspelo(hair/fur)? - A: Yes, they are homographs – words spelled identically but with different meanings and etymologies.
Peloas hair/fur (masculine singular noun) andpeloas the contraction ofpor+oare entirely distinct in meaning. Context is always key to differentiate them. Unless you are discussing animal coverings or body hair, it is almost certainly the prepositional contraction. O gato tem o pelo macio.(The cat has soft fur.)Eu passei pelo parque.(I passed through the park.)
- Q: Are there regional differences (Brazilian Portuguese vs. European Portuguese) in these uses of
por? - A: While the core meanings and structures for agent and means are consistent, subtle differences can be observed, especially concerning the use of articles with proper names and some idiomatic expressions. For example, the use of
deversusporfor general transport modes can sometimes show a preference, with Brazilian Portuguese often favoringde. However, for the specific uses ofporas an agent in the passive voice or a method of communication, usage is largely uniform across both major variants. - BP Tendency:
Vou de ônibus.(I go by bus.) - EP & BP:
A decisão foi tomada pelo João.(The decision was taken by João.) – In EP,o Joãois very common, sopelo Joãois standard. In BP,Joãomight sometimes appear without the article, leading topor Joãoin formal contexts.
por requires consistent exposure and practice, paying close attention to the contexts in which native speakers employ it. By understanding its fundamental role in attributing agency and instrumentality, you will significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas and participate in authentic Portuguese conversations.Contractions of 'Por'
| Preposition | Article | Contraction |
|---|---|---|
|
por
|
o
|
pelo
|
|
por
|
a
|
pela
|
|
por
|
os
|
pelos
|
|
por
|
as
|
pelas
|
Meanings
The preposition 'por' is a versatile particle used to indicate the agent of an action, the means by which something is done, duration, or exchange.
Agent of Passive Voice
Indicates who performs the action in a passive construction.
“A casa foi pintada por mim.”
“O filme foi dirigido por um brasileiro.”
Means or Medium
Indicates the instrument or channel used.
“Viajamos por trem.”
“Mandei a mensagem por WhatsApp.”
Duration of Time
Indicates how long an action lasts.
“Fiquei lá por três dias.”
“Ele correu por uma hora.”
Exchange or Price
Indicates the value or trade-off.
“Comprei por dez reais.”
“Troquei o livro por uma revista.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
por + noun
|
Vou por trem.
|
|
Negative
|
não + por + noun
|
Não vou por trem.
|
|
Passive
|
ser + past participle + por
|
Foi feito por ele.
|
|
Duration
|
por + time
|
Por uma hora.
|
|
Exchange
|
por + price
|
Paguei por dez.
|
|
Contraction
|
pelo/pela
|
Pela rua.
|
Formality Spectrum
O trabalho foi realizado pela equipe. (Workplace)
O trabalho foi feito pela equipe. (Workplace)
A equipe fez o trabalho. (Workplace)
A galera fez o trampo. (Workplace)
Uses of Por
Function
- Agente Agent
- Meio Means
- Duração Duration
Examples by Level
Eu vou por ônibus.
I go by bus.
Fiquei lá por dois dias.
I stayed there for two days.
O relatório foi escrito pelo gerente.
The report was written by the manager.
Passamos pela praça principal.
We passed through the main square.
Ele foi elogiado por sua dedicação.
He was praised for his dedication.
Por mais que eu tente, não entendo.
As much as I try, I don't understand.
Easily Confused
Both translate to 'for' in many contexts.
Both can mean 'for' in time.
Both used for transport.
Common Mistakes
Vou por casa.
Vou para casa.
Estudo por aprender.
Estudo para aprender.
Por o caminho.
Pelo caminho.
Fiz por ele.
Fiz para ele.
O livro foi escrito de João.
O livro foi escrito por João.
Viajei por avião.
Viajei de avião.
Ele correu por 5 km.
Ele correu por 5 km.
Paguei por o carro.
Paguei pelo carro.
Passamos por a ponte.
Passamos pela ponte.
Ele foi escolhido para o time por o treinador.
Ele foi escolhido para o time pelo treinador.
Por mais que ele tenta.
Por mais que ele tente.
Isso foi feito por causa de ele.
Isso foi feito por causa dele.
Porém, eu não sei.
No entanto, eu não sei.
Ele foi por mim visto.
Ele foi visto por mim.
Sentence Patterns
O projeto foi feito ___ ___.
Eu viajei ___ ___.
Fiquei lá ___ ___.
Comprei o livro ___ ___.
Real World Usage
Vou por lá.
O projeto foi liderado por mim.
Passamos por Lisboa.
Paguei por cartão.
Postado por @usuario.
Enviado por motoboy.
Contractions are key
Don't use for purpose
Passive voice
Regional variation
Smart Tips
Use 'de' for the vehicle, 'por' for the route.
Always check if you need a contraction after 'por'.
Use 'por' for duration, not 'para'.
Use 'por' for the price.
Pronunciation
Stress
The word 'por' is a monosyllable and is usually unstressed unless emphasized.
Agentive
Foi feito por ↗ ELE.
Emphasis on the agent.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
P-O-R: Path, Origin (Agent), Rate (Duration/Price).
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge (the path) with a person (the agent) crossing it for an hour (duration).
Rhyme
Por is the way, the agent, the time, use it well and you'll be fine.
Story
Maria went by train (means). She was seen by the guard (agent). She waited for two hours (duration).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your day using 'por' for means and duration.
Cultural Notes
In Brazil, 'por' is often dropped in colloquial speech for transport (e.g., 'Vou de ônibus').
In Portugal, 'por' is more strictly used for means of transport.
The distinction between 'por' and 'para' is a shibboleth for native-level fluency.
Derived from the Latin 'per'.
Conversation Starters
Como você veio para cá?
Quem escreveu este livro?
Por que você estuda português?
Como você prefere viajar?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
O livro foi escrito ___ autor.
Vou ___ casa.
Find and fix the mistake:
Fui por ônibus.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I waited for two hours.
Answer starts with: Esp...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Passamos ___ rua.
Comprei ___ dez reais.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesO livro foi escrito ___ autor.
Vou ___ casa.
Find and fix the mistake:
Fui por ônibus.
por / foi / ele / feito / isso
I waited for two hours.
Match: 1. Agent, 2. Means, 3. Duration.
Passamos ___ rua.
Comprei ___ dez reais.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesNós passamos ___ (por + os) parques da cidade.
The message was sent by me.
pela / fomos / praia / caminhar
O navio viajou ___ (por + o) oceano.
Eu recebi o convite por a Maria.
Match the following:
O bolo foi feito ___ (por + as) crianças.
I talk to my mom via Zoom.
Na frase 'A casa foi pintada pelo Pedro', quem é o agente?
Assisti à aula ___ YouTube.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, use 'para' for destination. 'Por' is for the path or means.
Yes, 'por' + 'o' must be 'pelo'.
Ask: Is it the goal (para) or the path/cause (por)?
Yes, it is essential for passive voice in formal texts.
It will sound incorrect to native speakers.
Yes, 'por causa de' is common.
Mostly in transport usage (de vs por).
Idiomatic expressions like 'por mais que'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
por
None, very similar.
par
French uses 'pour' for purpose, similar to Portuguese 'para'.
durch
German uses 'von' for passive agency.
ni yotte
Japanese uses particles after the noun.
bi
Arabic is a prefix.
yóu
Chinese word order is rigid.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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