How do I use "A" and "para"?

Question

They both mean "to" or "for", and I see them both used in sentences to express a purpose for the verb. For example: We are celebrating for our ancestor's hard work in fighting for independence. There are 3 places in this sentence in which I need to use "para", "por" or "a" I know the difference between para and por, so I don't need an explanation for that. Still, I have trouble figuring out which one of the three is used for sentences like this one. You could say "fight for independence" as "luchar para independencia" right? I mean, para fits in there, but if I use para for the rest there would be soo many "para"s in one sentence!

Someone explain to me how to use "para" and "a"? If "por" is used in this case then please explain how as well.

Thankss.

luchar para la independcia - kmeza, Mar 7, 2011

Answer 1

We are celebrating (for) our ancestor's hard work in fighting for independence.

The first "for" is unncecessary in this sentence.

Estamos celebrando el trabajo difícil de los ancestros cuando lucharon por la independencia.

Use "por" meaning "for the sake of, on behalf of"

well, in general, when do you use "para" and when do you use "a"? You can use them both to say "to (do something)" - la-ellumiere, Mar 7, 2011

Well, there are lots of rules for both -- too long to express all here. But check with Paralee's Learn Spanish here-- also type into the dictionary here to get an idea of the many and varied uses! - NancyGrace, Mar 7, 2011