Per in a Sentence: Meaning and Examples
Per commonly means for each, by means of, or according to in particular constructions. Use per in a sentence by making the situation clear: “The entry fee is five dollars per person.” The examples below distinguish its grammatical role and related expressions so you can choose a form that communicates your intended meaning accurately in context.
Key facts at a glance
- Per is a preposition.
- commonly means for each, by means of, or according to in particular constructions.
- For each person.
- Context and word choice determine the intended meaning.
What does per mean?
Per commonly means for each, by means of, or according to in particular constructions. Merriam-Webster: per provides the reference meaning. Per is a compact preposition used in rates and formal references. “Two forms per applicant” assigns a quantity to each applicant. “Per the instructions” means according to those instructions in a formal style. Context determines the relationship, so do not replace every occurrence with the same paraphrase.
Per in a sentence: practical examples
- The entry fee is five dollars per person.
- The machine produces ten parts per hour.
- We budgeted two folders per participant.
- Per the instructions, attach a copy of the receipt.
- The report gives the amount per household.
- A speed of 30 kilometers per hour includes both distance and time.
Compare the examples by identifying the subject, the word’s grammatical role, and the surrounding detail that establishes its meaning. Change the concrete details when writing your own sentence, while keeping the grammatical pattern intact.

How do the main patterns and related words differ?
| Choice or pattern | Meaning or use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Per person | For each person | One ticket per person. |
| Per hour | Rate for each hour | The machine makes ten parts per hour. |
| Per the instructions | According to | Per the instructions, attach one copy. |
Per is a preposition. Rates commonly use a singular unit after it: per hour, per person, or per item. “Per the agreement” is a different according-to pattern with a specified document.
How do you avoid the common usage errors?
State the unit and denominator clearly. “The rate is 20” is incomplete without explaining per what. Do not confuse a total with a per-person amount. In everyday prose, according to the instructions may sound more natural than per the instructions.
- Identify the meaning your sentence needs.
- Choose the grammatical form for that role.
- Add a concrete action, object, or context.
- Check that the related word would not communicate a different claim.

Putting the examples into practice
Use per in a sentence with attention to meaning, context, and grammatical role. Choose an example that matches the idea you want to express, then replace its details with accurate information about your own subject.
Frequently asked questions
What does per mean in a rate?
In a rate, per usually means for each unit of the denominator. Ten parts per hour describes the number produced in each hour, while a cost per person describes the amount assigned to each person. Always include the unit so the reader does not confuse a rate with a total.
Should the noun after per be singular?
A simple unit following per is commonly singular, as in per hour, per person, or per item. The expression describes each individual unit. More complex constructions can name a specified quantity, so focus on the full rate rather than applying a rule without context. Make the intended denominator explicit.
What does per the instructions mean?
Per the instructions means according to the instructions in a relatively formal style. It is different from the for-each meaning in a rate. In ordinary writing, according to the instructions may be clearer. Name the actual instructions or document when the reader needs to know which requirement you are referring to.
Is a per-person cost the total cost?
No. A per-person cost gives an amount for each person. The total depends on the number of people and any additional conditions or charges. In a vocabulary example, distinguish those quantities clearly. If you calculate a total, state the number used and any relevant assumptions rather than treating the rate itself as the sum.
Have you ever wondered what the term “per” means in a sentence? “Per” is a preposition that is commonly used to indicate a rate, ratio, or frequency in relation to a whole.
In English grammar, “per” is often used to express the division of a whole into equal parts or to show the relationship between two items. It can be used to convey a variety of meanings, such as “for each,” “by means of,” or “in accordance with.”
7 Examples Of Per Used In a Sentence For Kids
- There are 12 months per year.
- A cat has four legs per body.
- I brush my teeth twice per day.
- A triangle has three sides per shape.
- I drink milk with cookies per snack.
- There are 60 minutes per hour.
- My birthday is celebrated once per year.
14 Sentences with Per Examples
- Per government regulations, students must wear face masks on campus at all times.
- The library allows students to print up to 20 pages per day for free.
- The college cafeteria serves meals per person at affordable rates.
- The photography club organizes events per semester to showcase student work.
- Students are allowed to borrow up to five books per library card.
- The college shuttle runs every hour per schedule.
- The student council meetings are held per week in the student union building.
- The college gym is open for use 24 hours per day.
- Students can access the online database to search for articles per course requirement.
- The college offers scholarships per academic achievement.
- The bookstore has a limit of two textbooks per student to ensure availability for all.
- The campus wifi allows students to connect up to three devices per login.
- The research project requires students to conduct surveys with at least 100 participants per group.
- The college counseling center provides up to five free sessions per semester for students.
How To Use Per in Sentences?
To use “Per” in a sentence, remember that this word typically denotes a rate, ratio, or frequency. For example, you could say, “I eat breakfast per day,” to indicate how often you eat breakfast in a day.
Here are a few tips on how to correctly incorporate per into your sentences:
- Determine the rate or frequency you want to convey. This could be per hour, per week, per month, etc.
- Place per before the unit of measurement to clarify the rate. For example, “I read per week,” indicates how many times you read in a week.
- Use per when expressing a ratio. For instance, you could say “There are two cookies per child,” to show the ratio of cookies to each child.
- Remember, per is often used in comparison or measurement contexts. It helps to specify the quantity or frequency in relation to another factor.
- Keep your sentence structure simple. Place per in between the quantity and the unit of measurement to maintain clarity.
With these guidelines in mind, you can confidently incorporate “per” in your sentences to specify rates, ratios, or frequencies. Practicing with different contexts will also help you become more comfortable using this word in everyday conversations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the examples presented showcase the versatility and importance of utilizing sentences with “per.” Whether discussing rates, ratios, or comparisons, incorporating “per” into sentences helps to convey specific and precise information. By using this keyword, sentences become more structured and easier to understand for readers. From expressing prices per item to calculating miles per gallon, sentences with “per” are essential in various contexts, promoting clear communication and facilitating accurate interpretations.
Overall, the prevalence of sentences with “per” highlights its significance in conveying measurements, rates, and proportions effectively. Understanding how to construct sentences using this keyword enables writers to provide concise and informative content that is easily comprehensible to their audience. Embracing sentences with “per” enhances the clarity and precision of communication in a wide range of topics and disciplines.
