per

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "per" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a rate, ratio, or in reference to something being done according to a specific guideline or instruction. Example: "The report should be submitted per the guidelines provided by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The most significant retrenchment programs on a per capita basis have been those of Greece.

The New York Times

Only one entry per person.

The Guardian

The course will have places for 12 participants who will meet for one three-hour session per week (6.30pm - 9.30pm) for a period of six months at the Guardian Building, 90 York Way, Kings Cross, London N1 9GU.

The Guardian

Eighty per cent of the GCSE attainment gap is present by age seven.

The Guardian

In addition, the Committee intends to purchase a further $600 billion of longer-term Treasury securities by the end of the second quarter of 2011, a pace of about $75 billion per month.

The New York Times

Going back decades, such spending had never fallen more than 3 percent per capita in a recession.

The New York Times

Since 2011, United has piled up a mountain of consumer complaints (according to one report, only Spirit has more per passenger) and has repeatedly tallied some of the worst quality rankings in the nation, trailing even discount airlines like Frontier and AirTran.

The Economist

More than that, Levin also implicitly suggested that there was something wrong per se with betting that the housing market would crash, suggesting that while it's good to make money from good things happening, it's nefarious to put yourself in a position to make money when bad things happen.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

As a crude pound-per-job ratio, investing in homes looks a shrewder investment, with a new job created for every £300,000 invested compared to more than £1.5m invested in road building.

The Guardian

The IFC claims the project is a success story because it has provided an extra 1.7 million people with clean water, reduced diarrhoea cases by 51%, and offered customers significant savings: 20 times less than per-cubic-metre rates previously charged by water vendors.

The Guardian

The pharmaceuticals giant Roche has been criticised in unprecedented terms by the government's drugs watchdog for refusing to significantly lower the price of a breast cancer drug whose £90,000-per-patient cost is well over the NHS's limit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "per", ensure that the units of measurement are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "miles per gallon" rather than just "per gallon".

Common error

Avoid confusing the preposition "per" with its use in Latin abbreviations such as "per se" (by itself) or "per diem" (by the day). Use these Latin terms correctly in their intended contexts.

Linguistic Context

The preposition "per" functions primarily to indicate a ratio, rate, or proportion. It is used to express how much of something there is in relation to another unit, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples such as "miles per gallon" or "cost per person".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the preposition "per" is a versatile term used to express rates, ratios, and proportions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media contexts. While it can occasionally sound formal, understanding its proper application – especially in relation to units of measurement – can greatly enhance clarity in writing. Remember to avoid confusing it with Latin abbreviations where it plays a different role. Using alternatives appropriately, such as "for each" or "in each", can also provide stylistic variation. Always strive for precision and clarity to best serve your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for each

Replaces "per" to emphasize distribution to individual units.

in each

Highlights the presence of something within every unit.

for every

Similar to "for each", but can imply a more general application.

apiece

Indicates the cost or value attributed to a single item in a group.

respectively

Useful when listing items and their corresponding rates or values.

in terms of

Shifts the focus to the method or units of measurement.

as a function of

More formal, suggesting a mathematical or proportional relationship.

on a basis of

Emphasizes the foundation or method used for calculation or distribution.

at a rate of

Specifies the speed or frequency at which something occurs.

by means of

Indicates the method by which something is achieved or measured.

FAQs

How do I use "per" correctly in a sentence?

Use "per" to indicate a rate, ratio, or frequency. For example, "The cost is $10 "per person"" or "miles "per gallon"".

What are some alternatives to using "per" in writing?

Alternatives include "for each", "in each", or "for every", depending on the context. For instance, instead of "$5 per item", you could say "$5 "for each item"".

Is it ever incorrect to use "per"?

While generally correct, overuse of "per" can make writing sound overly formal. In some cases, rephrasing with alternatives can improve clarity and flow. For example, instead of "instructions "per the manual"", try "according to the manual".

What's the difference between using "per" and "each"?

"Per" is generally used to express a rate or ratio, while "each" emphasizes individual items within a group. "Cost "per unit"" indicates a ratio; "cost for each unit" emphasizes individual units.