Have you ever written a sentence and stopped to wonder, “Is it per say or per se?” You are not alone. This phrase is one of the most commonly misunderstood expressions in English because it sounds like it is spelled “per say,” but the correct form is actually per se.
In this guide, we will explain the difference between per se or per say, explore the phrase’s origin, explain its meaning, and show you how to use it correctly in everyday and professional writing.
Per Say or Per Se: The Correct Spelling
The correct spelling is:
Per se
The phrase per say is a common misspelling.
Although many English speakers pronounce it like “per say,” the phrase comes from Latin and keeps its original spelling: per se, meaning “by itself,” “in itself,” or “as such.”
Quick Answer
- Correct: Per se
- Incorrect: Per say
- Meaning: By itself or considered separately
For example:
- The idea is not wrong per se, but it needs more research.
- The product is not expensive per se, but the additional costs make it costly.
What Does Per Se Mean?
The phrase means looking at something on its own, without considering outside factors or additional circumstances.
When someone says something is not good or bad “per se,” they mean that the thing itself is not necessarily that way. The judgment depends on the situation around it.
Simple Explanation
Think of per se as meaning:
- By itself
- In its own nature
- Considered separately
- Intrinsically
Example:
“Social media is not harmful per se.”
This means social media itself is not automatically harmful. The effects depend on how people use it.
Why Is “Per Say” Incorrect?
Many people search for how to spell per say because the pronunciation creates confusion.
English has many words and phrases that sound different from their spelling. Since “per se” is pronounced almost exactly like “per say,” people naturally write it based on sound.
However, this phrase is not originally English. It comes from Latin, where:
- Per means “by” or “through”
- Se means “itself”
Together, per se means “by itself.”
The spelling “per say” changes the phrase into something that has no connection to the original meaning.
The Origin of Per Se
The expression comes from Latin, a language that has influenced English vocabulary, especially in areas such as:
- Law
- Philosophy
- Science
- Academia
Many Latin phrases remain common in modern English because they express ideas clearly and precisely.
Other examples of Latin expressions used in English include:
- Et cetera (etc.) – and so on
- Ad hoc – for a specific purpose
- Vice versa – the other way around
- Per capita – per person
Like these expressions, per se has maintained its original form.
How to Use Per Se Correctly
The phrase is usually used when someone wants to separate a thing from its results, consequences, or related factors.
Example 1: Separating an Idea From Its Effects
“Technology is not dangerous per se.”
Meaning:
Technology itself is not dangerous, but certain uses of technology may create problems.
Example 2: Clarifying an Opinion
“I don’t dislike the restaurant per se; I just prefer another type of food.”
Meaning:
The restaurant itself is not bad. The speaker simply has a personal preference.
Example 3: In Professional Writing
“The strategy was not unsuccessful per se, but it failed to meet the company’s goals.”
Meaning:
The strategy was not completely bad, but it did not achieve the desired result.
Per Se vs Other Similar Expressions
Several phrases have similar meanings but are used differently.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| Per se | By itself | The plan is not risky per se. |
| In itself | In its own nature | The mistake is not serious in itself. |
| Essentially | Basically | The issue is essentially about communication. |
| Technically | According to facts | Technically, the statement is correct. |
While these expressions overlap, per se is often used when making a careful distinction.
Common Mistakes With Per Se
1. Writing “Per Say”
Incorrect:
- The movie was not bad per say.
Correct:
- The movie was not bad per se.
2. Using It Without a Clear Contrast
The phrase works best when separating something from outside influences.
Less effective:
- The book is interesting per se.
Better:
- The book is not exciting per se, but its historical value makes it important.
3. Overusing the Phrase
Because it sounds formal, some writers use it too often. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like “by itself” or “really” may sound more natural.
Is Per Se Formal or Casual?
Per se is generally considered a formal expression. It appears frequently in:
- Academic writing
- Legal documents
- Business discussions
- Analytical articles
However, it is also used in everyday speech, especially when someone wants to make a precise point.
Example in conversation:
“I don’t hate the job per se; I just want something more creative.”
Key Takeaways
- The correct spelling is per se, not per say.
- Per se is a Latin phrase meaning “by itself” or “in itself.”
- The confusion happens because the pronunciation sounds like “per say.”
- Use it when separating something from outside factors or consequences.
- It is common in professional, academic, and analytical writing.
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FAQ: Per Say or Per Se
How do you spell per say correctly?
The correct spelling is per see. “Per say” is a common mistake caused by the pronunciation of the phrase.
What is the meaning of per say?
The phrase per say is not the correct spelling. The intended phrase is per see, which means “by itself” or “considered alone.”
Is per se or per say correct?
Per see is correct. It comes from Latin and has been used in English for centuries.
When should you use per se?
Use per see when you want to describe something separately from other influences or circumstances.
Is per se an English word?
Although it is commonly used in English, per see is a Latin phrase that has become part of everyday English vocabulary.
Conclusion
Understanding per say or per se is a great example of how English spelling can be influenced by pronunciation and borrowed languages. The correct expression is per, meaning “by itself” or “in itself.”
Whenever you need to make a distinction between something and its surrounding circumstances, this phrase can add precision to your writing. Remember the simple rule: it is per not per say. Keep exploring common language questions to improve your vocabulary and communication skills.
