Many English learners get confused between “per se” and “per say.” These two phrases sound exactly the same when spoken, which is why people often spell them incorrectly. If you have ever wondered whether the correct phrase is per se or per say, you are not alone.
The confusion mainly happens because “per se” comes from Latin, while “per say” looks like normal English spelling. Since both expressions sound identical, many people naturally assume that “say” is the correct spelling. However, only one version is grammatically correct in standard English.
Understanding the difference between per se or per say is important because using the wrong spelling can make your writing look unprofessional. In this article, you will learn the correct meaning, grammar rules, examples, common mistakes, memory tips, and proper usage of “per se.” By the end, you will confidently know which phrase to use in everyday writing and conversation.
Quick Answer
The correct phrase is “per se.”
“Per say” is a misspelling and is not considered correct in English grammar. “Per se” is a Latin phrase that means “by itself” or “in itself.”
Example:
✔ Money is not bad per se, but greed can be harmful.
✘ Money is not bad per say.
What Does “Per Se” Mean?
Definition of Per Se
“Per se” is a Latin phrase used in English to mean:
- By itself
- In itself
- Essentially
- Intrinsically
People use “per se” when they want to focus on the true nature of something rather than outside factors.
Simple Explanation
If something is not bad “per se,” it means the thing itself is not bad, but other circumstances may create problems.
Example Sentences
- The movie was not boring per se, but it was too long.
- Coffee is not unhealthy per se if consumed in moderation.
- Working from home is not difficult per se once you learn time management.
- Social media is not dangerous per se, but overuse can be harmful.
What Does “Per Say” Mean?
Definition of Per Say
“Per say” has no real meaning in English grammar. It is simply a spelling mistake people make because the phrase sounds like “say” when spoken aloud.
Simple Explanation
Many people write “per say” because they hear the phrase but never see it written correctly.
Example of Incorrect Usage
- ✘ The food was not bad per say.
- ✘ He is not rude per say.
These sentences should use “per se” instead.
Key Differences Between Per Se and Per Say
Here are the main differences between per se or per say:
- Per se is the correct phrase.
- Per say is incorrect spelling.
- “Per se” comes from Latin.
- “Per se” means “by itself” or “in itself.”
- “Per say” has no dictionary meaning.
- “Per se” is commonly used in formal and informal English writing.
Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Usage | Example |
| Per se | By itself or in itself | Correct phrase | The idea is not wrong per se. |
| Per say | No meaning | Incorrect spelling | ✘ The idea is not wrong per say. |
Why Do People Confuse Per Se and Per Say?
The confusion between per se or per say happens mostly because of pronunciation. Both phrases sound identical when spoken. Since “say” is a common English word, many people assume it is the correct spelling.
Another reason is that “per se” comes from Latin. Many English speakers are unfamiliar with Latin expressions, so they spell the phrase based on sound rather than correct grammar.
This type of mistake is common in English. Similar examples include:
- “Bear with me” vs “bare with me”
- “By accident” vs “on accident”
- “Piece of mind” vs “peace of mind”
These mistakes happen because spoken English does not always match written spelling.
Examples in Sentences
Below are several examples showing the correct use of “per se.”
Correct Examples Using Per Se
- Technology is not harmful per se.
- The restaurant is not expensive per se, but drinks cost a lot.
- He is not lazy per se; he just lacks motivation.
- Fast food is not unhealthy per se if eaten occasionally.
- The test was not difficult per se, but it was very long.
- Online learning is not bad per se for students.
- Her comment was not offensive per se, but it sounded rude.
- The plan is not impossible per se.
- Traveling alone is not dangerous per se.
- The software is not complicated per se once you understand it.
Incorrect Examples Using Per Say
- ✘ Technology is not harmful per say.
- ✘ The restaurant is not expensive per say.
- ✘ He is not lazy per say.
These sentences should always use “per se.”
Common Mistakes People Make
Many learners make small grammar mistakes when using per se or per say. Here are the most common ones.
1. Using “Per Say” Instead of “Per Se”
Incorrect:
- ✘ The situation is not bad per say.
Correct:
- ✔ The situation is not bad per se.
2. Using Per Se Without Proper Context
Incorrect:
- ✘ I per se like pizza.
Correct:
- ✔ Pizza is not unhealthy per se.
“Per se” should usually describe the true nature of something.
3. Overusing the Phrase
Some writers use “per se” too often to sound formal. This can make writing unnatural.
Incorrect:
- ✘ The car is per se fast.
Correct:
- ✔ The car is fast.
- ✔ The car is not dangerous per se.
Tips to Remember the Difference
Here are some simple memory tricks to remember the correct phrase.
Remember That “Per Se” Is Latin
The phrase comes from Latin, not English. That is why “se” is correct instead of “say.”
Think of “Se” as “Self”
“Per se” means “by itself.”
The word “se” can remind you of “self.”
“Per Say” Sounds Right but Looks Wrong
If you see “per say” in writing, remember that it is only based on pronunciation, not grammar.
Read More English Writing
Reading books, blogs, and articles regularly helps you recognize the correct spelling naturally.
When to Use Per Se
You should use “per se” when talking about the essential nature of something.
Use Per Se When:
- Describing something “in itself”
- Separating the main issue from related issues
- Explaining that something is not inherently good or bad
- Writing formal or professional English
Examples
- Wealth is not evil per se.
- Competition is not harmful per se.
- Video games are not addictive per se.
When Not to Use Per Se
Do not use “per se” randomly in sentences. It should only appear when discussing the inherent nature of something.
Incorrect Usage
- ✘ I per se went to school.
- ✘ She per se likes coffee.
Better Alternatives
- ✔ I went to school.
- ✔ She likes coffee.
Grammar Rules for Per Se
Understanding a few grammar rules can help you use “per se” correctly.
1. It Is an Adverbial Phrase
“Per se” works like an adverbial phrase because it modifies the meaning of a statement.
Example:
- The issue is not serious per se.
2. It Usually Comes After an Adjective
Examples:
- Not dangerous per se
- Not illegal per se
- Not wrong per se
3. Avoid Using It Too Frequently
While “per se” is correct, using it too often can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal.
4. It Is Always Written as Two Words
Correct:
- ✔ Per se
Incorrect:
- ✘ Perse
- ✘ Per say
Synonyms and Related Words
Depending on the sentence, you can sometimes replace “per se” with similar expressions.
Synonyms
- In itself
- By itself
- Essentially
- Intrinsically
- Naturally
- Fundamentally
Example Replacements
Original:
- The idea is not bad per se.
Alternative:
- The idea is not bad in itself.
Original:
- Money is not evil per se.
Alternative:
- Money is not evil by itself.
Real-Life Situations Using Per Se
1 In Business
- Remote work is not ineffective per se.
2 In Health Discussions
- Sugar is not harmful per se when consumed moderately.
3 In Education
- Online classes are not difficult per se.
4 In Relationships
- Arguments are not unhealthy per se.
5 In Technology
- Artificial intelligence is not dangerous per se.
These examples show how commonly “per se” appears in everyday English.
Formal vs Informal Usage
Formal Usage
“Per se” is often used in:
- Academic writing
- Business communication
- Professional discussions
- News articles
Example:
- The policy is not unconstitutional per se.
Informal Usage
People also use it in casual speech.
Example:
- The movie wasn’t bad per se.
However, in very casual conversation, simpler phrases like “in itself” may sound more natural.
Is Per Se an English Word?
Technically, “per se” is not originally English. It comes from Latin. However, English speakers use it so commonly that it is accepted as part of modern English vocabulary.
Many English expressions come from Latin, including:
- Vice versa
- Et cetera
- Ad hoc
- Status quo
Like these phrases, “per se” keeps its original spelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it per se or per say?
The correct phrase is per se. “Per say” is incorrect.
2. What does per se mean?
“Per se” means “by itself” or “in itself.”
3. Is per say ever correct?
No. “Per say” is always considered a spelling mistake.
4. How do you use per se in a sentence?
Example:
- The book is not boring per se, but it is too detailed.
5. Is per se formal English?
Yes, “per se” is slightly formal, but it is also common in everyday speech.
6. Why do people write per say?
People confuse the spelling because “per se” and “per say” sound the same when spoken aloud.
How to Avoid This Mistake in Writing
If you want to avoid confusing per se or per say, follow these simple habits:
- Always remember that “per se” is Latin.
- Proofread your writing carefully.
- Use grammar-checking tools.
- Read professional English content regularly.
- Practice writing example sentences.
The more you see the correct phrase, the easier it becomes to remember.
Per Se in Everyday Conversation
Although “per se” sounds formal, native speakers use it quite often in normal conversation.
Examples
- I do not hate the job per se.
- The city is not unsafe per se.
- Exercise is not difficult per se once you start regularly.
Using the phrase correctly can make your English sound more natural and advanced.
Final Thoughts on Per Se or Per Say
The debate between per se or per say is actually very simple once you understand the correct spelling. “Per se” is the only correct phrase in English, while “per say” is just a common spelling mistake caused by pronunciation.
Remember that “per se” means “by itself” or “in itself.” It is used to describe the true nature of something without considering outside factors. Learning this small grammar difference can improve your writing and help you communicate more professionally.
Whenever you feel unsure, just remember this simple rule:
✔ Per se = Correct
✘ Per say = Incorrect
I am James Wilson, a passionate grammar writer dedicated to making English easy and clear for everyone. I focus on simplifying confusing rules so readers can learn quickly and confidently. I enjoy creating helpful and engaging content that improves writing skills. I believe small learning steps can make a big difference in mastering grammar.
