Many English learners get confused between Per Se and “Per Say.” While they may sound similar in conversation, only Per Se is the correct expression in standard English. The phrase comes from Latin and means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.” On the other hand, “Per Say” is a common misspelling that appears because people write the phrase exactly as they hear it.Understanding the difference between Per Se vs Per Say can improve your writing, speaking, and overall language accuracy.
You will often see Per Se used in academic writing, professional communication, journalism, and everyday conversations. For example, someone might say, “The movie wasn’t bad per se, but it was too long.” Here, the speaker means the movie wasn’t inherently bad; there were simply other issues with it.Learning the correct usage of Latin expressions, English idioms, commonly confused words, grammar mistakes, writing accuracy, word choice, proper spelling
, language usage, vocabulary building, formal writing, informal communication, sentence examples, English expressions, and grammar rules can help you avoid errors that may affect credibility.Whether you’re a student, writer, professional, or language enthusiast, mastering Per Se ensures clearer communication and more polished English. This guide explains the meaning, usage, examples, and common mistakes associated with this frequently misunderstood phrase.
Quick Answer: Per Se or Per Say?
The correct phrase is per se.
- ✔ Per se = correct (Latin origin, widely accepted in English)
- ❌ Per say = incorrect (common spelling mistake)
Meaning of per se:
It means “by itself” or “in itself.”
Example:
- The idea isn’t bad per se, but it needs improvement.
Why People Confuse “Per Se” and “Per Say”
This confusion is more common than you might think. It usually happens for a few simple reasons.
It sounds like “say”
When spoken quickly, per se often sounds like per say. So people assume the spelling matches the sound.
Typing from memory
Many users type what they hear instead of what they’ve seen written in formal contexts.
Social media influence
Once a mistake spreads online, it gets copied without fact-checking.
Lack of Latin awareness
Most people don’t realize English uses many Latin expressions that don’t follow normal spelling rules.
What “Per Se” Actually Means (Simple Definition)
At its core, per se is a precision tool in language.
It helps you isolate one idea from everything else around it.
Core meaning:
- By itself
- In itself
- Intrinsically
How it works in sentences:
It narrows the focus.
Example:
- This policy isn’t harmful per se, but its execution is weak.
Here, the policy itself isn’t the issue. The execution is.
Origin of the Phrase “Per Se”
The phrase comes directly from Latin.
- “per” = by
- “se” = itself
So, the literal meaning is “by itself.”
It entered English through:
- Legal writing
- Academic texts
- Formal philosophical discussions
Over time, it moved into everyday usage, especially in analytical speech and writing.
Why “Per Say” Is Always Incorrect
Let’s be very clear here.
“Per say” has no linguistic foundation.
It is:
- Not Latin
- Not English grammar
- Not recognized in dictionaries
It only exists because of pronunciation confusion.
Think of it like writing “for all intensive purposes” instead of “for all intents and purposes.” Same type of error.
Grammar Rules for Using “Per Se”
Even though it looks simple, per se has some usage patterns you should know.
It acts like an adverb
It modifies the idea or noun before it.
It usually follows the concept it describes
- The rule itself isn’t strict per se.
- The statement is not false per se.
It stays unchanged
No plurals, no tense changes, no hyphenation.
✔ per se
❌ per-se
❌ per say
❌ persay
How to Use “Per Se” in Real Writing
Let’s make this practical. You’ll see it across different writing styles.
Everyday English
- I don’t hate coffee per se, I just prefer tea.
Academic writing
- The hypothesis is not incorrect per se, but incomplete in scope.
Business communication
- The strategy is not flawed per se, but it requires better execution.
Legal context
- The action is not illegal per se under current regulations.
Each example shows the same idea: something isn’t inherently bad or wrong.
Common Mistakes with “Per Se”
People don’t just misspell it. They misuse it too.
Mistake: Writing “per say”
This is the most common issue.
Mistake: Overusing it
Using it in every sentence makes writing sound forced.
Mistake: Using it as a noun
Incorrect:
- “That’s a per se.”
Correct:
- “That’s not true per se.”
Mistake: Using it without contrast
It usually works best when you compare or clarify something.
“Per Se” vs Similar Expressions
Sometimes you don’t need per se at all. You can use simpler phrases.
| Expression | Meaning | Tone |
| Per se | By itself | Formal |
| By itself | Same meaning | Neutral |
| In itself | Similar idea | Neutral |
| Strictly speaking | More precise framing | Formal |
| Essentially | Close meaning context | Flexible |
Tip: If you’re writing casually, “by itself” often sounds more natural.
Negation: “Not Per Se” Explained
This is where the phrase becomes really useful.
Meaning in context
“Not per se” means:
- Not exactly
- Not strictly
- Not in itself
Examples
- It’s not wrong per se, but it could be misleading.
- The idea isn’t bad per se, just poorly timed.
This structure is extremely common in debates and analysis.
Pronunciation of “Per Se”
Even though it’s spelled Latin, English speakers pronounce it in a simplified way:
- per say
Yes, it sounds like the incorrect spelling—but the spelling stays Latin.
That’s why the confusion happens so often.
Search Intent Behind “Per Se or Per Say”
People search this phrase for a few reasons:
- Checking spelling before publishing content
- Writing academic papers
- Avoiding grammar mistakes in emails
- Learning formal English usage
- Improving SEO writing accuracy
It’s a high-intent grammar query, often tied to professional writing.
Memory Trick to Never Get It Wrong
Here’s a simple trick:
“Se = Self”
So think:
- Per se = by itself
- Per say = wrong because it changes meaning
If it ends with “say,” it’s probably not Latin.
Real-World Usage Comparison (Correct vs Incorrect)
| Wrong Usage | Correct Usage |
| That’s bad per say | That’s bad per se |
| Not per say wrong | Not per se wrong |
| Per say speaking | Per se speaking ❌ (avoid this form) |
Synonyms You Can Use Instead of “Per Se”
Sometimes simpler is better.
- By itself
- In itself
- Essentially
- Strictly speaking
- On its own
Conclusion
The debate between Per Se vs “Per Say” is actually quite simple. Per Se is the correct phrase, while “Per Say” is merely a spelling mistake based on pronunciation. Since Per Se means “in itself” or “by itself,” it is used to describe something’s inherent nature rather than its related circumstances.
To avoid common grammar and spelling mistakes, remember that Per Se is a Latin phrase that has been fully adopted into English. Using it correctly can make your writing sound more professional, accurate, and polished. Whenever you’re tempted to write “Per Say,” replace it with Per Se and ensure your sentence still conveys the idea of something being considered on its own merits.
FAQs
What does Per Se mean?
Per Se means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.” It refers to the essential nature of something without considering outside factors.
Is “Per Say” a real English phrase?
No. “Per Say” is not a correct English phrase. It is a common misspelling of Per Se.
How do you use Per Se in a sentence?
Example: “The plan isn’t wrong per se, but it needs improvement.”
Why do people write “Per Say”?
People often write “Per Say” because it sounds similar to the correct pronunciation of Per Se.
Is Per Se formal or informal?
Per Se can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in professional and academic writing.
What is the easiest way to remember the correct spelling?
Remember that Per Se is a Latin phrase meaning “in itself.” The correct spelling always ends with “Se,” not “Say.”
Can I replace Per Se with another phrase?
Yes. Depending on the context, you can use “in itself,” “intrinsically,” “essentially,” or “by itself.”
Is Per Se commonly used in modern English?
Yes. Per Se remains widely used in business writing, journalism, academic papers, and everyday conversations.
