Have you ever wondered whether the correct expression is per se or per say? You may see both versions online, but only one is the standard spelling. Per se is the correct phrase, while per say is a common misspelling caused by the way the expression sounds when spoken. Understanding this small distinction can help you improve your English grammar, spelling, word usage, and writing accuracy.
The phrase per se comes from Latin and means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.” In modern English usage, people often use it to clarify that something is not necessarily good or bad on its own, but rather because of another factor. For example, “The job isn’t difficult per se, but the long hours can be exhausting.”
If you are searching for per se meaning, per say meaning, per se definition, or per say definition, remember the key difference: per se is the correct expression, while per say is not the standard form. Learning this distinction can make your professional writing, academic writing, everyday communication, and formal English more precise.The easiest way to remember it is to connect per se with its Latin origin and meaning “in itself.” Once you understand how the phrase works, choosing the correct spelling becomes much easier.
Per Se or Per Say: Which Is Correct?
If you’re wondering whether to write per se or per say, choose per se.
Per se is the established English expression. Per say isn’t the standard spelling of this phrase. When someone writes per say while intending the expression meaning “in itself,” they’re almost always using a phonetic spelling based on how per se sounds.
| Expression | Correct as the standard phrase? | Meaning |
| per se | Yes | In itself; by its own nature |
| per say | No | Usually a misspelling of per se |
| in itself | Yes | A plain-English alternative to per se |
| by itself | Yes | Can be an alternative in some contexts |
The confusion makes sense when you hear the expression aloud. The final syllable in per se can sound similar to the English word say, particularly in fast speech.
However, pronunciation doesn’t change the established spelling.
If you’re writing an email, essay, article, report, or social media post, use per se when you mean “in itself.”
What Is the Correct Spelling: Per Se or Per Say?
The correct spelling is per se.
Think of the phrase as a fixed expression rather than two ordinary English words. The word se isn’t the English verb say. It’s part of a Latin expression that entered English usage.
So this is correct:
“The policy isn’t unfair per se.”
This is not the standard spelling:
“The policy isn’t unfair per say.”
The difference is only one letter, but that letter matters.
What Does Per Se Mean?
Per se means “in itself” or “by its own nature.” It tells the reader that you’re considering something independently from other circumstances or related factors.
The expression comes from Latin. Per can mean “by” or “through,” while se refers to “itself.” In English, however, you generally shouldn’t translate every word separately. Treat per se as an established phrase meaning in itself.
Consider this sentence:
“There’s nothing wrong with working from home per se.”
The speaker isn’t necessarily saying that every aspect of working from home is perfect. Instead, they’re saying working from home itself isn’t the problem.
Maybe the actual problem is poor communication, unreliable equipment, or a lack of structure.
That’s an important feature of per se. It often helps you separate the thing itself from something associated with it.
Per Se Meaning in Simple English
For a simple explanation, you can remember:
Per se = in itself.
That’s the easiest definition for most learners.
Here are a few examples:
- “The food isn’t bad per se; it’s just too spicy.”
- “He’s not rude per se, but he doesn’t talk much.”
- “The job isn’t difficult per se, although the schedule is exhausting.”
- “There’s nothing wrong with the design per se.”
- “The rule isn’t unreasonable per se.”
In each sentence, the speaker separates the subject from another factor.
For example, if someone says:
“The movie isn’t boring per se, but it’s very slow.”
The movie isn’t being called boring in its basic nature. The speaker is pointing toward its slow pace as the real issue.
Per Se Pronunciation
Per se is commonly pronounced approximately like “per SAY.”
That pronunciation explains why per say appears so often in informal writing.
When people hear a phrase but haven’t encountered its written form, they naturally connect unfamiliar sounds to familiar words. Since say is a common English word, it’s easy to assume the phrase ends with say.
But the written expression remains per se.
A useful habit is to remember the meaning alongside the spelling:
Per se → in itself
That association is more reliable than trying to remember the spelling by sound alone.
What Does Per Say Mean?
When someone writes per say, they usually intend per se.
In standard English, per say isn’t the accepted spelling of the expression meaning “in itself.” The problem usually comes from hearing the phrase pronounced as per SAY.
The word say certainly exists in English:
- “What did she say?”
- “I wanted to say something.”
- “They say the weather will improve.”
But it doesn’t belong in the fixed expression per se.
So if your intended meaning is “in itself,” write per se, not per say.
This distinction becomes particularly important in professional or academic writing. A spelling mistake in a familiar phrase can distract readers and make otherwise polished writing look less careful.
Per Se vs. Per Say: Key Difference
The main difference is straightforward: per se is the correct expression, while per say is generally a misspelling.
| Feature | Per Se | Per Say |
| Standard expression | Yes | No |
| Meaning “in itself” | Yes | Intended by the writer, but incorrectly spelled |
| Latin expression | Yes | No |
| Common cause | Established spelling | Phonetic spelling |
| Appropriate in formal writing | Yes | No |
| Pronunciation | Roughly “per SAY” | Often written because of that pronunciation |
There’s no need to overcomplicate the distinction.
When you mean in itself, use per se.
How to Use Per Se in a Sentence
Per se usually appears after the idea being qualified.
For example:
“The plan isn’t expensive per se, but the maintenance costs are high.”
The phrase changes the scope of the statement. The plan itself isn’t necessarily expensive. Instead, maintenance costs create the financial concern.
You can also use per se after a noun or adjective when the context makes the meaning clear.
Examples of Per Se
Here are several examples showing how the phrase works naturally:
- “The restaurant isn’t bad per se, but the service is slow.”
- “There’s nothing illegal about the arrangement per se.”
- “I don’t dislike the neighborhood per se.”
- “The task isn’t complicated per se, but it requires patience.”
- “Being competitive isn’t harmful per se.”
- “The software isn’t unreliable per se; the problem is the outdated hardware.”
- “The price isn’t unreasonable per se.”
- “She isn’t shy per se, although she rarely speaks in large groups.”
- “The criticism wasn’t unfair per se, but the delivery was harsh.”
- “Technology isn’t the problem per se.”
Notice the recurring pattern. The speaker makes a qualification.
Instead of saying:
“Technology is the problem.”
The speaker might say:
“Technology isn’t the problem per se.”
That leaves room for a more specific explanation.
Per Se in Formal Writing
Per se works in formal writing because it provides a concise way to express an important distinction.
You may encounter it in:
- Academic writing
- Legal writing
- Business reports
- Journalism
- Essays
- Analytical articles
- Professional correspondence
For example:
“The proposed method isn’t ineffective per se, but its results depend heavily on the quality of the available data.”
That sentence distinguishes the method itself from the conditions under which it operates.
Still, formal doesn’t always mean better. If your audience is unfamiliar with Latin expressions, in itself may be clearer.
Compare:
“The approach isn’t problematic per se.”
with:
“The approach isn’t problematic in itself.”
Both communicate a similar idea. The second version is often easier for general readers.
Per Se vs. In Itself
In itself is one of the closest plain-English alternatives to per se.
The two expressions can often replace each other without changing the basic meaning.
| Per Se | In Itself |
| “The idea isn’t bad per se.” | “The idea isn’t bad in itself.” |
| “The product isn’t expensive per se.” | “The product isn’t expensive in itself.” |
| “The rule isn’t harmful per se.” | “The rule isn’t harmful in itself.” |
However, the tone can differ.
Per se has a slightly more formal or analytical feel. In itself sounds more direct and accessible.
For a general audience, in itself can sometimes be the smoother choice.
For concise analytical writing, per se can work well.
When to Choose Per Se
Use per se when:
- You want a concise expression.
- The audience understands standard formal English.
- You’re making a distinction between something itself and its surrounding circumstances.
- The phrase fits naturally into the sentence.
When to Choose In Itself
Use in itself when:
- You want maximum clarity.
- You’re writing for beginners.
- Your audience may not know Latin-derived expressions.
- A conversational tone matters more than brevity.
Neither option automatically makes a sentence better. The best choice depends on your audience and context.
Per Se vs. By Itself
Per se and by itself sometimes overlap, but they aren’t always interchangeable.
By itself often means alone or without assistance.
For example:
“The machine can’t operate by itself.”
That means the machine needs something or someone else to operate it.
But per se often means in itself or considered independently.
For example:
“The machine isn’t dangerous per se.”
Here, the speaker isn’t saying the machine operates alone. They’re discussing whether the machine itself is inherently dangerous.
Compare these examples:
| Expression | Example | Meaning |
| per se | “The idea isn’t bad per se.” | The idea itself isn’t bad. |
| by itself | “The computer shut down by itself.” | The computer acted without outside action. |
| in itself | “The idea isn’t bad in itself.” | The idea itself isn’t bad. |
This distinction is worth remembering because replacing per se with by itself can sometimes change the meaning.
Why Do People Spell Per Se as Per Say?
The biggest reason is pronunciation.
When spoken naturally, per se sounds approximately like “per SAY.” Someone who has learned the phrase by listening may assume that the final word is the familiar English word say.
This is especially common with expressions that come from other languages.
A similar pattern can happen when people hear an unfamiliar phrase and spell it according to its sound. Spoken English doesn’t always reveal how a phrase should appear on the page.
The problem becomes even more likely when someone rarely encounters the expression in writing.
A Simple Example
Imagine hearing someone say:
“The idea isn’t wrong per say.”
If you’ve never seen the phrase written before, per say might look perfectly reasonable.
Later, when you encounter the standard written form, you discover:
“The idea isn’t wrong per se.”
That’s why reading widely helps with spelling. Seeing a phrase repeatedly gives your brain a visual pattern that pronunciation alone can’t provide.
Common Mistakes With Per Se
Although the spelling mistake is the most common issue, there are other ways people misuse per se.
Writing “Per Say”
This is the biggest mistake.
Incorrect:
“The plan isn’t bad per say.”
Correct:
“The plan isn’t bad per se.”
Using Per Se Without Its Intended Meaning
Don’t add per se simply because it sounds sophisticated.
For example, if you mean:
“The computer works without help.”
Then by itself is the natural choice.
If you mean:
“The computer itself isn’t the problem.”
Then per se may fit.
The phrase should clarify meaning rather than decorate the sentence.
Overusing Per Se
Even when spelled correctly, per se can become distracting if it appears repeatedly.
Consider:
“The design isn’t bad per se. The color isn’t wrong per se. The layout isn’t confusing per se.”
The repetition quickly becomes clunky.
A better version might be:
“The design works reasonably well. However, the color and layout create separate problems.”
Good writing isn’t about using impressive expressions as often as possible. It’s about choosing the clearest words for the job.
Misunderstanding the Phrase
Some writers use per se as if it means “specifically” or “actually.”
That’s not its basic meaning.
The phrase focuses on something in itself or by its own nature.
Synonyms and Alternatives to Per Se
Depending on the sentence, several expressions can communicate a similar idea.
| Alternative | Basic meaning | Example |
| in itself | Considered alone | “The idea isn’t bad in itself.” |
| by itself | Alone or independently | “The device can’t function by itself.” |
| intrinsically | By its inherent nature | “The material isn’t intrinsically dangerous.” |
| essentially | Basically or fundamentally | “The problem is essentially financial.” |
| in its own right | Independently deserving recognition | “The book is valuable in its own right.” |
These aren’t perfect substitutes in every sentence.
For example, intrinsically emphasizes inherent qualities, while by itself often emphasizes independence.
That’s why replacing per se requires attention to the sentence’s actual meaning.
Per Se in Different Contexts
The expression appears in many kinds of writing and conversation.
Per Se in Everyday Conversation
You may hear per se when someone wants to make a careful distinction.
For example:
“I’m not against the idea per se. I just don’t think now is the right time.”
The speaker isn’t rejecting the idea itself. They’re objecting to the timing.
Another example:
“It’s not a bad neighborhood per se, but parking can be difficult.”
Again, the phrase separates the neighborhood itself from a specific inconvenience.
This is why per se can be useful in conversations where someone wants to avoid making an overly broad statement.
Per Se in Academic Writing
Academic writing often requires precise distinctions.
Consider:
“The technology isn’t harmful per se; its effects depend on how people use it.”
The writer distinguishes the technology itself from its application.
Another example:
“The sample size isn’t inadequate per se, but it limits the strength of certain conclusions.”
Here, per se narrows the claim. The sample size isn’t being described as inherently inadequate. Instead, its limitations affect what can reasonably be concluded.
Per Se in Business Writing
Business communication also uses the expression when separating a product, strategy, or cost from its consequences.
For example:
“The subscription isn’t expensive per se, but the annual commitment may not suit every customer.”
Or:
“The strategy isn’t flawed per se; it simply doesn’t fit the company’s current goals.”
These sentences avoid overly broad judgments.
Per Se in Legal Writing
Legal writing frequently contains Latin expressions, including per se.
In legal contexts, the phrase can appear when something is considered in itself or without needing to establish additional circumstances, depending on the specific legal doctrine.
For example, a legal discussion might describe conduct as unlawful per se under a particular rule.
However, legal uses can carry specialized meanings that go beyond ordinary conversational usage. The exact meaning depends on the law, jurisdiction, and doctrine being discussed.
For general writing, remember the core meaning:
per se = in itself.
A Practical Case Study: Understanding Per Se Through Context
Imagine a manager discussing a new software system.
The manager says:
“The software isn’t difficult per se, but the training process is poorly designed.”
What does the sentence mean?
The manager isn’t claiming that the software is completely effortless. Instead, the statement separates two issues:
- The software itself: Not inherently difficult.
- The training process: Creates the actual difficulty.
Now change the sentence:
“The software doesn’t work by itself.”
That means something completely different. The software requires another person, system, or process to function.
This small comparison shows why per se and by itself shouldn’t automatically be treated as identical.
Per Se or Per Say: Quick Trick to Remember
Here’s the easiest memory trick:
Per se = in itself.
When you’re unsure whether to write per se or per say, replace the phrase with “in itself.”
For example:
“The plan isn’t bad ___.”
Try the replacement:
“The plan isn’t bad in itself.”
The meaning works.
Therefore:
“The plan isn’t bad per se.”
If you write per say, remember that you’re replacing the established expression with a different English word based only on its sound.
Another quick trick is to associate se with the idea of itself.
Per se → in itself → the thing itself.
That three-step connection makes the spelling easier to recall.
Per Se or Per Say in Writing: Which Should You Use?
When you’re writing the phrase meaning “in itself,” always choose per se.
This applies to:
- Blog posts
- School assignments
- Essays
- Business emails
- Reports
- Academic papers
- Professional documents
- Articles
- Social media posts
For example:
Correct:
“The proposal isn’t unreasonable per se.”
Incorrect:
“The proposal isn’t unreasonable per say.”
If you’re writing for a broad audience, you can also choose in itself when it sounds clearer.
Is Per Se Formal or Informal?
Per se is generally associated with standard and somewhat formal English, although people also use it in everyday speech.
It isn’t restricted to academic or legal writing.
You might hear someone say:
“I don’t hate the restaurant per se.”
That’s perfectly natural in conversation.
However, because the phrase has a formal flavor, it can sound slightly more polished than in itself.
The important thing is context. Don’t force it into a sentence where a simpler phrase would sound more natural.
Can Per Se Start a Sentence?
It’s possible to encounter per se at the beginning of a sentence, but it’s much more commonly placed later in the sentence.
For example:
“Per se, the method isn’t problematic.”
This construction can sound awkward because the phrase doesn’t have a clear noun or idea to qualify at the beginning.
A more natural version is:
“The method isn’t problematic per se.”
Or:
“The method isn’t problematic in itself.”
In most ordinary writing, placing per se after the relevant statement produces a clearer sentence.
Is Per Se Always About Something Negative?
No.
Although per se frequently appears in sentences that make a qualification or correction, it isn’t inherently negative.
You can use it in positive statements too.
For example:
“The award is valuable per se, regardless of the publicity.”
Here, the award has value in itself.
You could also write:
“The experience is rewarding per se.”
The phrase simply identifies the subject as being considered on its own.
Per Se vs. Specifically
These expressions don’t mean the same thing.
Per se means in itself.
Specifically means precisely or particularly.
Compare:
“The policy isn’t harmful per se.”
This means the policy isn’t harmful in itself.
Now:
“The policy specifically affects new employees.”
This identifies exactly who is affected.
Replacing one with the other changes the meaning.
Per Se vs. Essentially
Essentially can sometimes appear in similar sentences, but it has a different focus.
Essentially often means basically or fundamentally.
For example:
“The problem is essentially financial.”
This means the basic nature of the problem is financial.
By contrast:
“The problem isn’t financial per se.”
This means the problem isn’t financial in itself.
The surrounding sentence determines whether the expressions can work.
Facts About “Per Se”
Here are some useful facts to keep in mind:
- Per se is an established English expression derived from Latin.
- Its basic sense is “in itself” or “by itself.”
- It’s commonly pronounced approximately “per SAY.”
- Per say is generally a spelling error when the writer intends per se.
- The phrase can appear in both formal writing and everyday speech.
- In itself is often the clearest plain-English alternative.
- By itself can have a different meaning when it refers to acting alone.
- The expression is especially useful when distinguishing something from its surrounding circumstances.
Per Se or Per Say: Quick Answer
If you only need the answer, here it is:
Per se is correct. Per say is generally incorrect when you’re trying to use the expression meaning “in itself.”
Use per se when you’re considering something on its own or describing its inherent nature.
Correct:
“The idea isn’t bad per se.”
Incorrect:
“The idea isn’t bad per say.”
Easy replacement:
“The idea isn’t bad in itself.”
Remember the simple rule:
Per se = in itself.
Conclusion
Per se is the correct spelling, while per say is a common misspelling. The expression comes from Latin and means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.” It is commonly used when you want to discuss something separately from its surrounding circumstances. For example, “There is nothing wrong with the idea per se, but its implementation could be improved.”When writing, use per se in both formal writing and informal writing when the meaning fits. Avoid per say, even though it may sound natural when spoken. Remembering that per se means “in itself” is a simple way to avoid this spelling mistake.
FAQs
Is “per se” or “per say” correct?
Per se is correct. Per say is a common misspelling and should generally be avoided.
What does “per se” mean?
Per se means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.” It is used to focus on something in its own right.
Is “per se” a Latin phrase?
Yes. Per se is a Latin expression that literally means “by itself” or “in itself.”
Why do people write “per say”?
People often write per say because it sounds similar to per se when pronounced. However, per say is not the standard spelling.
How do you use “per se” in a sentence?
You can say, “The plan isn’t bad per se, but it needs more preparation.” Here, per se means “in itself.”
Is “per se” formal?
Yes. Per se is commonly accepted in formal, academic, professional, and everyday English, although simpler alternatives such as “in itself” can sometimes make writing clearer.
What is the easiest way to remember “per se”?
Remember that per se means “in itself.” The spelling per se is the standard form, not per say.
