per day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "per day" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that occurs or is experienced over the course of a specific day. For example, "I can only handle two cups of coffee per day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Budget £20 per day.

The Guardian - Travel

€30 per day.

The Guardian - Travel

Barrels per day.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

About 1% per day.

TechCrunch

(Below, revenue per day).

TechCrunch

a New nodes per day b New users per day.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

per day.

Huffington Post

Price: $40 per day.

Huffington Post

120 calls per day.

Huffington Post

One per day.

Huffington Post

Then 10 per day.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "per day" to clearly indicate a rate or frequency related to a single day. This ensures clarity when discussing quantities, costs, or occurrences within a 24-hour period.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "per day" with similar timeframes like "per shift" or "per week". Ensure the context clearly specifies that the rate or frequency applies to a 24-hour period to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "per day" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the frequency or rate at which something occurs. It indicates the amount, quantity, or number of times something happens within a 24-hour period. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

30%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "per day" is a grammatically sound and exceptionally common adverbial phrase used to express the rate or frequency of something within a 24-hour timeframe. As Ludwig AI explains, its function is to quantify daily occurrences, serving a crucial role in adding precision to statements across diverse registers. While its neutral tone makes it appropriate for varied contexts, it is essential to avoid overuse and ensure clarity, particularly when discussing similar timeframes. The abundance of examples found by Ludwig, especially in News & Media and Wiki sources, underscores its pervasive use in modern English. Ultimately, mastering the subtle art of using “per day” effectively enhances clarity and precision in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daily

This is a single-word adjective that directly replaces "per day" in many contexts.

each day

This alternative emphasizes the individual day in the same way as the original phrase.

on a daily basis

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the routine nature of the occurrence.

every 24 hours

This phrase provides a specific timeframe, which can be more precise in certain contexts.

day after day

This alternative emphasizes the repetitive nature of something occurring daily.

by day

This alternative is simpler and can be used when the context implies a daily occurrence.

a day

This is a shortened, less formal version of the phrase.

in a day

Focuses on what can be achieved or experienced within the span of a single day.

throughout the day

This emphasizes the distribution of an event or activity across the entire day.

during the day

This focuses on occurrences that happen within the daylight hours, as opposed to nighttime.

FAQs

How can I use "per day" in a sentence?

You can use "per day" to express a rate, frequency, or limit within a single day. For instance, "The hotel costs $100 "per day"", or "I drink two cups of coffee "per day"".

What are some alternatives to "per day"?

Alternatives include "daily", "each day", or "on a daily basis". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it ever incorrect to use "per day"?

While generally correct, avoid using "per day" when the timeframe is already implied or obvious. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. In such instances, consider rewording for conciseness.

What's the difference between "per day" and "a day"?

"Per day" specifies a rate or frequency, while "a day" refers to a single, unspecified day. For example, "The interest rate is 0.1% "per day"" indicates a daily interest rate. Saying "I need a day to relax" means you need one day of rest.