Many English learners and even native speakers often get confused about “per say or per se.” These two expressions sound the same when spoken, but only one of them is actually correct in standard English. Because they are pronounced almost identically, people frequently spell the phrase incorrectly in writing.
The confusion between per say or per se happens mainly because the correct phrase comes from Latin. When people hear the phrase in conversation, they assume it is written as “per say.” However, in formal English grammar, the correct spelling and usage is “per se.”
In this detailed guide, you will learn the correct meaning, usage, grammar rules, examples, and tips to remember the difference between per say or per se. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand which one to use and why.
Quick Answer
The correct phrase is “per se.”
“Per se” is a Latin expression that means “by itself” or “in itself.” It is used to describe something in its true or original nature.
The spelling “per say” is incorrect and should not be used in formal writing.
Meaning and Definition of Each Word
1. Per Se
Definition:
“Per se” is a Latin phrase that means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.”
Explanation:
It is used when you want to say that something is not necessarily true on its own, but only in certain situations or contexts.
Example Sentences:
- The movie is not bad per se, but the story could be better.
- Technology is not harmful per se, but overuse can cause problems.
- The plan is not wrong per se, but it needs improvement.
In these examples, per se means something is not inherently bad or wrong.
2. Per Say
Definition:
“Per say” is not a correct word or phrase in English.
Explanation:
People often write “per say” because it sounds like the correct phrase per se when spoken aloud. However, this spelling is a common mistake.
Example (Incorrect):
- The idea is not wrong per say. ❌
Correct Version:
- The idea is not wrong per se. ✔
Key Differences Between Per Say or Per Se
Here are the main differences between these two terms:
- Per se is the correct phrase used in English.
- Per say is a common misspelling.
- Per se comes from Latin.
- Per se means “by itself” or “intrinsically.”
- Per say has no real meaning in grammar.
- Per se is acceptable in formal and academic writing.
Simply put, “per se” is correct and “per say” is incorrect.
Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Usage | Example |
| Per se | By itself; in its true nature | Used to describe something inherently | The rule isn’t wrong per se. |
| Per say | Incorrect spelling | Should not be used in writing | The rule isn’t wrong per say. ❌ |
Examples in Sentences
Here are several real-life examples using per se correctly.
Everyday Conversations
- I don’t dislike the restaurant per se, but the service could improve.
- The phone isn’t expensive per se, but it’s overpriced for its features.
- Coffee isn’t unhealthy per se, but drinking too much can be harmful.
Academic or Professional Writing
- The theory is not incorrect per se, but it lacks evidence.
- Social media is not dangerous per se, but misuse can create problems.
- The policy isn’t unfair per se, but it affects some groups more than others.
Casual Writing
- I’m not against traveling per se, I just prefer staying home.
- The design isn’t bad per se, but it looks outdated.
Common Mistakes
Many people make mistakes when writing per se because they rely on pronunciation instead of spelling.
Mistake 1: Writing “Per Say”
Incorrect:
- I don’t hate the idea per say.
Correct:
- I don’t hate the idea per se.
Mistake 2: Using It in the Wrong Context
Sometimes people use per se when it isn’t necessary.
Incorrect:
- I like pizza per se.
Correct:
- I like pizza.
“Per se” should only be used when talking about something in its pure or intrinsic form.
Mistake 3: Overusing the Phrase
Some writers add per se too often.
Incorrect:
- The problem is not the price per se but the quality per se.
Better:
- The problem is not the price but the quality.
Tips to Remember the Difference
Here are some simple tricks to remember per say or per se.
1. Remember the Latin Origin
“Per se” is Latin.
Latin words often end with “se.”
So if you see “per say,” it is probably wrong.
2. Think of “By Itself”
If the phrase means “by itself,” then the correct phrase is per se.
Example:
- The rule is not bad per se.
3. Focus on Spelling
Remember this phrase:
“If you mean ‘by itself,’ spell it S-E.”
4. Avoid Writing What You Hear
English often contains words that sound different from how they are spelled. “Per se” is one of them.
When to Use Each Word
When to Use “Per Se”
Use per se when talking about something in its pure or original state.
Common situations include:
- Explaining ideas
- Clarifying opinions
- Academic discussions
- Analytical writing
Examples:
- The plan is not flawed per se.
- The concept isn’t new per se, but it’s presented differently.
- Money is not the problem per se.
When to Use “Per Say”
You should never use “per say” in correct English writing.
It is simply a spelling mistake.
Grammar Rules Related to “Per Se”
Here are some useful grammar rules when using per se.
1. It Is Usually Used After a Negative Statement
Most of the time, per se follows words like not, isn’t, or wasn’t.
Examples:
- The idea isn’t wrong per se.
- The movie wasn’t bad per se.
2. It Works as an Adverbial Phrase
“Per se” acts like an adverb that modifies the whole idea of the sentence.
Example:
- The product is not dangerous per se.
3. Commas Are Often Used
Sometimes writers place commas around per se.
Example:
- The problem isn’t the design, per se, but the materials used.
4. Formal Tone
Although commonly used in conversation, per se appears frequently in formal writing, academic papers, and professional discussions.
Synonyms or Related Words
Here are some alternatives to per se depending on the context.
Possible Alternatives
- In itself
- Intrinsically
- By nature
- Essentially
- Fundamentally
Example Substitutions
Original sentence:
- The problem isn’t the technology per se.
Alternative versions:
- The problem isn’t the technology in itself.
- The problem isn’t the technology by nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it “per say” or “per se”?
The correct phrase is per se. “Per say” is a common misspelling and should not be used in writing.
2. What does “per se” mean?
“Per se” means “by itself” or “in its true nature.”
Example:
- The idea isn’t wrong per se.
3. Is “per se” formal or informal?
“Per se” is often considered formal, but it is commonly used in everyday conversations as well.
4. Can I replace “per se” with other words?
Yes. You can sometimes replace it with phrases like “in itself,” “essentially,” or “intrinsically.”
5. Why do people write “per say”?
People write “per say” because the phrase per se sounds similar when spoken aloud.
6. Is “per se” still used in modern English?
Yes. It is still widely used in academic writing, journalism, and everyday speech.
Conclusion
The confusion between per say or per se is very common because both phrases sound the same when spoken. However, only per se is correct in standard English.
“Per se” comes from Latin and means “by itself” or “in its true nature.” It is used when you want to explain that something is not inherently good or bad, but depends on context. The spelling “per say” is simply a mistake that should be avoided in writing.
To remember the difference, just keep one rule in mind:
If you mean “by itself,” the correct spelling is “per se.”
