Per Say or per SE often confuses many writers, students, and professionals, especially when typed in emails, essays, or social posts, and it’s easy to mistake the meaning or usage if the context isn’t clear. A twinge of doubt may hit you when you try to write confidently, and knowing the difference between per se and per say ensures your writing stays flawlessly polished, professional, and free of confusion.
In casual conversation or casual speech, people sometimes use per say incorrectly, leading to wrong interpretations, misuses, or misheard phrases. Understanding the term, which comes from Latin meaning by itself or in itself, and isolating it in sentences helps learners and students really get the true nature without mistake or perceived meaning. Proper form, spelling, and context make a huge difference when your messages, posts, or articles need to remain professional.
It’s important to look at every detail—small, exactly where the phrase appears, whether in formal or informal writing. Don’t just see it; hear, understand, and practice using it properly. Synonyms, so to speak, or mixing up sometimes happens, but knowing the origin, explanation, and helpful tips ensures your writing is easy, clear, and confident, allowing you to use per SE or per say every time without confusion.
Quick Answer: Which Is Correct?
Here’s the short version: “Per se” is correct.
“Per say” is a common misspelling. It happens because English speakers hear the phrase and unconsciously spell it as it sounds. Think of it like this: just because you pronounce it one way doesn’t mean the spelling matches.
- Correct: Per se
- Incorrect: Per say
Understanding why this mistake happens will make it easier to remember the right form—and we’ll cover that below.
What Does “Per Se” Actually Mean?
Per se comes from Latin and literally means “by itself” or “in itself.” It’s used in English to highlight the essence of something without outside influence.
For example:
- “The movie wasn’t bad per se, but it was too long.”
Here, per se emphasizes that the movie itself isn’t bad; the problem is something else. - “He isn’t rich per se, but he owns several valuable properties.”
The phrase shows distinction: the person may have assets, but wealth isn’t inherent in the concept.
Key nuance: It doesn’t mean “absolutely” or “definitely.” It’s about isolating the core idea.
How to Use “Per Se” Correctly
Using per se isn’t hard once you get the rhythm of it. Follow these tips:
- Place per se near the subject it describes.
- Avoid using it as filler or to sound sophisticated unnecessarily.
- Use it when clarifying, qualifying, or contrasting something.
Examples in Everyday Writing
- “The plan isn’t illegal per se, but it could violate regulations if executed poorly.”
- “I don’t dislike jazz per se, I just prefer rock music.”
- “The food wasn’t unhealthy per se, but the portion sizes were enormous.”
Notice a pattern? Per se often follows a verb and precedes the clause it qualifies.
Real-Life Examples Across Contexts
Understanding how per se works in different settings can make it stick in your mind.
Emails (Professional Use):
- “The delay isn’t a problem per se, but it could affect the project timeline.”
Social Media (Casual Use):
- “The new update isn’t bad per se, but I miss the old interface.”
News Articles (Journalism):
- “The policy isn’t discriminatory per se, but its implementation raises concerns.”
Academic Writing (Formal Use):
- “This phenomenon isn’t significant per se; rather, its interactions with other variables matter.”
Using real examples in context helps you see how naturally per se fits in English writing.
“Per Say”: Why It’s Wrong
So why do so many people write per say instead?
- Phonetic Confusion: English speakers hear “say” in the phrase.
- Memory Mistakes: It feels intuitive, but it’s a misremembered Latin term.
- Lack of Latin Familiarity: Many writers aren’t exposed to Latin spelling rules.
Important: You’ll never see per say in reputable dictionaries or academic writing. It’s always incorrect.
Per Se vs Per Say: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Per Se | Per Say |
| Meaning | Correct Latin phrase; “by itself” | Incorrect, misspelling |
| Usage | Professional, casual, academic | Always wrong |
| Pronunciation | /pər seɪ/ | /pər seɪ/ (sounds same) |
| Common Mistakes | Overuse, wrong placement | Spelling error only |
| Examples | “It isn’t harmful per se” | ❌ “It isn’t harmful per say” |
This table makes it easy to see the difference at a glance.
Common Mistakes With “Per Se”
Even if you know the spelling, people often misuse it. Here’s what to avoid:
- Mistake #1: Writing per say.
- Mistake #2: Using it as filler: “This, per se, is interesting” when it adds no real meaning.
- Mistake #3: Confusing it with other Latin phrases like ipso facto or exempli gratia.
A careful check of placement and necessity will prevent these errors.
Memory Tricks & Tips
Here’s an easy way to remember:
- Visual mnemonic: Think of “per se” as a small bubble around the concept—it isolates it.
- Phrase reminder: “Per se = in itself.” Repeat this a few times.
- Write it correctly often: Practicing correct usage in sentences helps form muscle memory.
Once you internalize it, spelling it as per say will feel unnatural.
Is “Per Se” Formal or Informal?
Per se can be used in both formal and informal settings. The key is tone:
- Formal: Academic papers, reports, legal writing.
- Example: “The experiment wasn’t flawed per se; rather, the sample size was too small.”
- Informal: Casual conversation, blogs, social media.
- Example: “The game isn’t boring per se, I just don’t like sports.”
It’s versatile but should always clarify meaning rather than decorate the sentence.
British vs American English Usage
The spelling per se is universal in both British and American English. Pronunciation differs slightly:
- American English: /pər seɪ/
- British English: /pə seɪ/
The phrase appears slightly more in American professional writing, but both versions are correct.
Grammar Tips for Using “Per Se”
✅ Do:
- Place near the concept it describes.
- Use to clarify, isolate, or qualify.
- Keep punctuation minimal: “The idea isn’t wrong per se but poorly executed.”
❌ Don’t:
- Overuse it.
- Use it as filler or fancy Latin decoration.
- Spell it as “per say.”
When Not to Use “Per Se”
Sometimes per se isn’t necessary. Avoid it when:
- It adds no clarity: “The movie, per se, is fun” → unnecessary.
- Simpler English works better: “The book itself is interesting” is clearer.
- Writing for audiences unfamiliar with Latin terms.
Bonus: Practice Section
Test yourself with these sentences. Fill in the blank:
- The policy isn’t unfair ______, but its enforcement is.
- I don’t dislike chocolate ______, I just prefer vanilla.
- His argument isn’t wrong ______; it’s just incomplete.
Answers:
- per se
- per se
- per se
Conclusion
Understanding Per Say or per SE is simpler than it seems once you grasp the difference, meaning, and usage. Whether in formal writing, emails, essays, or casual conversation, using per SE correctly reflects professionalism, clarity, and polished communication. Remember its origin from Latin, its true nature, and practice applying it in sentences to avoid confusion, mistakes, or perceived meanings. Consistent practice, attention to context, and careful spelling will make your writing flawless and confident every time.
FAQs
Q1. What is the correct form: per se or per say?
The correct form is per SE, derived from Latin, meaning “by itself” or “in itself.” Per say it is.
Q2. Can I use per say in casual conversation?
You might hear it in casual speech, but it’s better to use per SE to avoid confusion or misuses.
Q3. How do I remember the difference between per se and per say?
Think of per se as isolated in meaning. Per say is often a misheard phrase. Practice writing and reading examples to really understand it.
Q4. Is per se only used in formal writing?
No. You can use it in formal writing, emails, or social posts, but always consider context and clarity.
Q5. What are common mistakes per se?
Common mistakes include spelling it as per say, using it in the wrong context, or misunderstanding its meaning in a sentence.
