per + el = pel

Contraction of Per and El

Level 1

Per + el becomes pel, and per + els becomes pels.

How It Works

Per followed by a masculine definite article contracts, whether the phrase describes a route, means or reason. Identify the preposition and article first: per + el parc gives pel parc.

Write per l’ when the singular article elides, and keep per la/per les with feminine articles. Plural pels stays intact before vowels: pels arbres. Per a is a different prepositional expression; its final a contracts to give per al and per als.

Do not choose pel merely because English uses for. A route may take per, while a recipient can take per a. Decide the meaning first and apply the contraction afterward.

Examples (3)

  1. Camino pel parc.

    I walk through the park.

  2. Passem pels carrers del centre.

    We pass through the streets downtown.

  3. Entrem per l'altra porta.

    We enter through the other door.

How It Connects

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per + el = pelLevel 1Contraction of Per and El

Learn This First

Identify the article that combines with per.

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Words in This Pattern