When writing or speaking, it is easy to confuse Per Say or Per Se because both sound almost identical. However, only “per se” is the correct spelling and is commonly used in English. The phrase per se comes from Latin and means “by itself” or “in itself.”
It is often used when you want to describe something specifically, without considering other related factors. On the other hand, “per say” is a common misspelling that may appear in casual writing or online conversations.
Understanding the difference can help you avoid this mistake in emails, essays, articles, and everyday communication. In this guide, we will explain Per Say or Per Se, its meaning, correct usage, examples, and common mistakes.
Quick Answer
The correct phrase is “per se”, not “per say.”
- Per se is a Latin expression meaning “by itself” or “in itself.”
- Per say is a common spelling mistake and is not grammatically correct.
So, whenever you want to express something “on its own” or “intrinsically,” you should always use per se.
Meaning of the Correct Form – “Per Se”
The phrase per se comes from Latin, and it literally means “by itself” or “in itself.” It is used to clarify that something is being considered independently, without additional context or influence.
Basic Definition:
- Per se = in itself / by itself / intrinsically
How It Works in English:
In both UK and US English, per se is used in formal and semi-formal writing. It is not limited by region and remains the same in spelling and meaning across English varieties.
Examples in UK English:
- The policy is not bad per se, but it needs improvement.
- The film is not educational per se, but it has some learning value.
- The new system is not expensive per se, but it is not cost-effective either.
Examples in US English:
- The idea isn’t wrong per se, but it lacks evidence.
- He is not lazy per se, just unmotivated.
- The product is not harmful per se, but it may cause side effects.
Important Note:
In all English variations, per se is usually written in italics in formal academic writing because it is a Latin phrase. However, in modern digital writing, italics are often skipped.
Meaning of the Incorrect Form – “Per Say”
The phrase “per say” is incorrect and does not exist in formal English grammar or vocabulary.
Why People Use “Per Say”:
- It sounds similar to per se when spoken aloud.
- People assume it is an English phrase rather than Latin.
- Autocorrect or casual typing habits reinforce the mistake.
Key Point:
There is no meaning for “per say” in English. It is simply a spelling error.
Incorrect Examples:
- ❌ The movie is not good per say.
- ❌ I don’t like it per say, but I understand it.
- ❌ The plan is not perfect per say.
Correct Version:
- ✔ The movie is not good per se.
- ✔ I don’t like it per se, but I understand it.
- ✔ The plan is not perfect per se.
Keyword Comparison / Key Differences
Understanding the difference between per se and per say is very important for correct writing.
| Feature | Per Se (Correct) | Per Say (Incorrect) |
| Language Origin | Latin | None (incorrect spelling) |
| Meaning | By itself / in itself | No meaning |
| Usage | Formal & informal writing | Not acceptable |
| UK/US Usage | Same in both | Not used |
| Grammar Status | Correct phrase | Spelling mistake |
Key Insight:
- Per se is a valid Latin expression used in English.
- Per say is simply a phonetic mistake based on how it sounds.
Common Mistakes People Make
Many learners make similar errors when using this phrase. Let’s explore them:
1. Spelling Confusion
People often write per say instead of per se because of pronunciation.
2. Overuse in Informal Writing
Some writers use it too often, thinking it makes writing sound more academic.
3. Misunderstanding Meaning
Many assume it means “exactly” or “definitely,” which is incorrect.
4. Mixing with Other Latin Terms
People sometimes confuse it with phrases like:
- e.g. (for example)
- i.e. (that is)
- etc. (and so on)
5. Incorrect Capitalization
Writing it as Per Se in the middle of a sentence is unnecessary unless starting a sentence.
Examples of Mistakes:
- ❌ I don’t like it per say.
- ❌ The rule per say is strict.
- ❌ Per Say, this is wrong.
Correct Versions:
- ✔ I don’t like it per se.
- ✔ The rule per se is strict.
- ✔ Per se, this is wrong.
Correct Usage in Sentences
Let’s look at real-life usage examples from both UK and US English.
UK English Examples:
- The decision is not unfair per se, but it lacks clarity.
- The weather is not dangerous per se, but travel is not advised.
- This method is not new per se, but it is more efficient.
US English Examples:
- The job isn’t difficult per se, but it is time-consuming.
- The policy isn’t strict per se, but it is poorly implemented.
- The software is not broken per se, but it needs updates.
Academic Writing Examples:
- The theory is not incorrect per se, but it is incomplete.
- The data is not unreliable per se, but it requires further analysis.
Everyday Conversation Examples:
- I don’t hate coffee per se, I just prefer tea.
- It’s not expensive per se, but it’s not worth it.
- He is not rude per se, just very direct.
Tips to Remember the Correct Usage
Here are some easy tricks to help you always remember the correct form:
1. Think “Se = Single”
- “Se” means by itself → think “single thing alone.”
2. Remember Latin Origin
- Per se = Latin phrase → not English spelling.
3. Sound Trick
- Even though it sounds like “say,” it is NOT “say.”
4. Association Trick
- “Per se” = “by itself”
- “Say” = speaking → unrelated meaning
5. Quick Rule
- If you write “per say,” it is always wrong.
FAQs
1. Is “per say” correct in English?
No, per say is incorrect. The correct phrase is per se.
2. What does “per se” mean in simple English?
It means by itself or in itself without considering other factors.
3. Is “per se” used in both UK and US English?
Yes, it is used in both British and American English in the same way.
4. Why do people write “per say” instead of “per se”?
Because it sounds similar when spoken, leading to spelling confusion.
5. Should “per se” be italicized?
In formal academic writing, yes. In modern digital writing, it is optional.
6. Can “per se” be replaced with other words?
Yes, depending on context, you can use:
- “in itself”
- “by itself”
- “intrinsically”
7. Is “per se” formal or informal?
It is considered semi-formal to formal and is commonly used in essays and professional writing.
Conclusion
To sum up, the correct expression is “per se,” not “per say.” This Latin phrase is widely used in both UK and US English to mean “by itself” or “in itself.” The incorrect version, “per say,” is simply a spelling mistake that has become common due to pronunciation confusion.
Understanding this difference is important for clear communication, especially in academic writing, professional documents, and SEO content. Using the correct form not only improves your grammar but also enhances your credibility as a writer.
Grace Walker is a passionate content writer who loves making English simple and easy to understand. I specialize in explaining text meanings, abbreviations, grammar, and everyday language in a clear, beginner-friendly way. My goal is to help readers quickly find accurate answers and improve their communication with confidence.
