Por detrás, por delante, etc.

[LearningSpanish]

I'm trying to figure out when por is required or what it actually does to change the meaning of a sentence when it's used in sentences describing location/direction.


For example - por detras, por delante; I kind of had in mind that if the por was used, there would be some kind of movement involved or it could mean 'through', 'by means of' etc so I've grabbed a few examples to try and figure it out. The trouble is I'm not sure if sometimes the por gets put in there when it's unnecessary and possibly incorrect or if sometimes it's optional.

Any insight on the role of por in these kind of constructions would be great, thank you in advance


Los cables pueden ser conectados por detras de la unidad.

Cables can be connected through the back of the unit.

También ofrece hermosos paseos por los bosques circundantes, pasando por detras de los hoteles.

You can also take a stroll out into the surrounding woods along a track, which runs up behind the hotels.

Tenemos un desafío por delante.

We have a challenge before us.

La tarea por delante es enorme.

There is a huge task ahead.

Los expertos fiscales tienen todavía mucho trabajo por delante.

Tax experts still have a lot of work ahead of them.

This one I've seen with the por and without:


El burro (por) delante, para que no se espante.

Donkey first so that it doesn't get frightened.