If you’ve ever wondered whether to write per se or per say, you’re not alone. Many English learners and even native speakers hear the phrase in conversation and assume it’s spelled per say because that’s how it sounds. However, only one spelling is considered correct in standard English.
The confusion comes from pronunciation rather than grammar. Per se is a Latin phrase that has become part of English vocabulary, while per say is simply a common misspelling. In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between per se vs per say, discover the meaning of per se, explore real-life examples, avoid common mistakes, and know exactly when to use this expression.
Quick Answer: Per Se vs Per Say
Per se is the correct spelling.
Per say is incorrect and should be avoided in formal and informal writing.
Simple Rule
- ✅ Per se = Correct
- ❌ Per say = Incorrect spelling
Example
The movie wasn’t bad per se; it was just too long.
This means the movie wasn’t bad in itself, but it had another problem.
What Does “Per Se” Mean?
Per se is a Latin phrase that literally means “by itself” or “in itself.”
In modern English, it is used to indicate that you are referring to the essential nature of something rather than its consequences or related circumstances.
For example:
The idea isn’t wrong per se.
This means the idea is not inherently wrong, although there may be other issues.
Another example:
Coffee isn’t unhealthy per se.
This means coffee itself is not unhealthy, but drinking too much might be.
The phrase helps clarify that you’re talking about something on its own, without considering outside factors.
Why Is “Per Say” Incorrect?
Many people write per say because they hear the phrase spoken aloud and assume the second word is say.
However, per say is not a recognized English expression.
The correct phrase is per se, borrowed directly from Latin.
Incorrect:
The project isn’t difficult per say.
Correct:
The project isn’t difficult per se.
Remember that pronunciation can be misleading, but spelling should follow the standard form.
Per Se vs Per Say: Comparison Table
| Feature | Per Se | Per Say |
|---|---|---|
| Correct spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Meaning | In itself; by itself | None |
| Origin | Latin | Misspelling |
| Accepted in formal writing | Yes | No |
| Accepted in informal writing | Yes | No |
| Example | The plan isn’t bad per se. | Incorrect |
Whenever you need this expression, always choose per se.
How to Use “Per Se”
The phrase per se usually follows the word or idea being discussed.
It often appears in sentences where the speaker wants to clarify that something is not inherently good or bad.
Examples:
The policy isn’t unfair per se.
The policy itself isn’t unfair, although its effects may be.
Success isn’t about money per se.
Money itself is not the defining factor.
Technology isn’t dangerous per se.
Technology itself isn’t dangerous; how people use it may be.
Notice that per se often appears after a negative statement.
Examples of “Per Se”
Here are several natural examples.
Example 1
The book isn’t difficult per se; it’s just very detailed.
The book itself isn’t hard, but it requires patience.
Example 2
Exercise isn’t exhausting per se.
Exercise itself isn’t the problem.
Example 3
The software isn’t expensive per se.
The software itself isn’t costly compared to similar products.
Example 4
He’s not rude per se; he’s just very direct.
The speaker softens the criticism by explaining that the person’s behavior isn’t inherently rude.
Example 5
The plan isn’t impossible per se.
The plan itself isn’t impossible, although it may present challenges.
When Should You Use “Per Se”?
Use per se when you want to focus on the essential nature of something.
It works well when you mean:
- In itself
- By itself
- Intrinsically
- Essentially
- As such
For example:
The problem isn’t the price per se.
The price itself isn’t the real issue.
Education isn’t valuable per se; it’s valuable because of what it allows people to achieve.
The speaker is making a subtle distinction about value.
Similar Expressions
Several English expressions have meanings similar to per se, although they are not always interchangeable.
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| In itself | By itself |
| Essentially | Fundamentally |
| Intrinsically | By nature |
| As such | In that role |
| By itself | Without outside influence |
Example:
The solution isn’t wrong in itself.
This has a meaning very similar to:
The solution isn’t wrong per se.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Writing “Per Say”
This is the most common mistake.
Incorrect:
The restaurant isn’t bad per say.
Correct:
The restaurant isn’t bad per se.
Always remember that per se is the correct spelling.
Mistake 2: Using “Per Se” Too Often
Because per se sounds formal, some writers use it unnecessarily.
Instead of writing:
The movie wasn’t funny per se.
Sometimes a simpler sentence works better:
The movie wasn’t inherently funny.
Choose whichever sounds more natural for your audience.
Mistake 3: Using It Without Clarification
The phrase usually introduces a distinction.
For example:
The product isn’t defective per se.
Readers naturally expect further explanation.
Better:
The product isn’t defective per se; it simply requires proper installation.
Mistake 4: Thinking “Per Se” Means “Exactly”
It doesn’t.
Per se means in itself, not exactly or specifically.
Incorrect interpretation:
“It means exactly.”
Correct interpretation:
“It means by itself.”
Is “Per Se” Formal?
Yes, per se is generally considered slightly formal because it comes from Latin.
However, it is commonly used in:
- Newspapers
- Academic writing
- Business writing
- Legal writing
- Professional communication
- Everyday conversation
Although it sounds sophisticated, it is widely understood by English speakers.
American English vs British English
There is no significant difference between American and British English regarding per se.
Both varieties:
- Spell it per se
- Pronounce it similarly
- Use it with the same meaning
Examples:
American English: The policy isn’t unfair per se.
British English: The policy isn’t unfair per se.
The phrase functions the same way in both forms of English.
Per Se in Everyday Conversation
Although the phrase has Latin origins, it appears regularly in spoken English.
Examples:
I’m not against the idea per se.
The food wasn’t bad per se.
The price isn’t the problem per se.
Native speakers often use it to make careful distinctions without sounding overly technical.
How to Remember the Correct Spelling
A simple memory trick is:
Per SE = Same Essence
Think of SE as reminding you of the essential nature of something.
Another easy tip:
If you’re thinking of writing per say, stop and remember:
You “say” the phrase, but you write “se.”
FAQs
1. Which is correct: per se or per say?
Per se is correct. Per say is a common misspelling.
2. What does “per se” mean?
It means by itself, in itself, or intrinsically.
3. Is “per say” ever correct?
No. Standard English dictionaries do not recognize per say as the correct spelling of the expression.
4. Why do people write “per say”?
Because the phrase sounds like per say when spoken. The mistake comes from pronunciation rather than grammar.
5. Can I use “per se” in formal writing?
Yes. It is widely accepted in academic, legal, business, and professional writing.
6. Is “per se” a Latin phrase?
Yes. Per se comes from Latin and literally means by itself or through itself.
7. Is “per se” common in American and British English?
Yes. Both American and British English use per se with the same spelling and meaning.
8. What can I use instead of “per se”?
Depending on the context, you can use:
- In itself
- By itself
- Essentially
- Intrinsically
- Fundamentally
Final Summary
The difference between per se vs per say is simple but important. Per se is the only correct spelling and means “in itself” or “by itself.” It is used to focus on the essential nature of something rather than outside circumstances. Per say, on the other hand, is a common spelling mistake caused by the way the phrase sounds when spoken.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, business email, blog post, or everyday message, always use per se. It is accepted in both American and British English and is commonly used to make precise distinctions. Learning this small but important difference will make your writing more accurate and professional.
Actionable Takeaway
Whenever you’re tempted to write per say, remember that the correct expression is per se. A helpful trick is: You “say” it, but you spell it “se.”
If you mean “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically,” choose per se. Using the correct spelling will help you avoid one of the most common writing mistakes in English and make your communication clearer and more polished.
Liam James is a language enthusiast and content writer at Verseslay, specializing in word comparisons, grammar debates, and vocabulary insights. He helps readers understand language nuances through clear, engaging, and practical explanations.
