Por - For or By ?
If I say something like the following:
El libro fue escrito por Maria.
Does this mean the book was written by Maria or that the book was written for Maria?
Thank You for your help.
3 Answers
Uses for por:
-Expressing movement along, through, around, by or about: Anduve por las calles de la ciudad. I walked through the streets of the city.
-Denoting a time or duration when something occurs. Viajamos por tres semanas. We're traveling for three weeks.
-Expressing the cause not the purpose) of an action: Me caí por la nieve. I fell down because of the snow.
-Meaning supporting or in favor of: Trabajamos por derechos humanos. We work for human rights.
-Introducing the agent of an action after a passive verb: Fue escrito por Bob Woodward. It was written by Bob Woodward.
-Indicating means of transportation: Viajaré por avión. I will travel by plane.
Uses for para:
-Meaning for the purpose of or in order to: Para bailar la bamba, necesita una poca de gracia. In order to dance the bamba you need a little grace.
-With a noun or pronoun as object, meaning for the benefit of or directed to: Es para usted. It's for you.
-Meaning to or in the direction of when referring to a specific place: Voy para Europa. I'm heading to Europe.
-Meaning by or for when referring to a specific time: Necesito el regalo para mañana. I need the gift for tomorrow.
Good morning, Steve.
Por vs. Para is one of the most difficult subjects for me in Spanish, even at my Intermediate level.
However, I do know for certain a few phrases that require Por vs. Para. A book, play, etc. written by someone uses por.
So, you've got it right: El libro fue escrito por Maria.
I think it could mean either. Possibly only the context would make it clear. Perhaps others will know more certainly, but this is my thought.
