Step 1

Por and para are both used in specific situations.

   Use por to say because:
Tuve que cancelar el vuelo por una
       emergencia.
       I had to cancel a flight because of an
       emergency.

   Use por when discussing time or day:
No hice las tareas por la tarde.
       I didn't do homework in the afternoon.

   Use para to say in order:
El coche tuvo que estar limpio para recoger al
       jefe de mi esposo.
     The car had to be clean in order to pick up
       my husband's boss.

   Use para to say for (a person):
¿Hubo alguna carta para mí?
       Was there any letter for me?

   Use para to say to (a place):
Nací en Cuba y vine para EEUU en 1987.
       I was born in Cuba and came to the USA in
       1987.