Ever catch yourself hesitating mid-email, wondering whether it’s “per say or per se”? You’re not alone. This tiny Latin phrase shows up everywhere in business communication, project management, scheduling, and even online booking workflows yet it’s one of the most commonly misspelled expressions in English usage. When you’re juggling meetings, updating your calendar, or writing a polished report, using the correct form matters because it signals professionalism, clarity, and consistency. This guide walks you through the real meaning of per se, why “per say” is incorrect, and how to use the correct form with confidence in both casual and formal writing.
In the sections ahead, you’ll learn the origin of the phrase, see practical examples, and understand how different style guides as well as US vs. UK preferences handle it. You’ll also discover how choosing the right expression can sharpen your communication whether you’re broadcasting updates to a team or refining client-facing copy. Let’s break it down so you can use per se accurately and naturally every time.
What “Per Se” Actually Means
Let’s start with the basics.
“Per se” comes from Latin, where per means “by” or “through,” and se means “itself.” When translated, the phrase means “by itself” or “in itself.”
Simple Definition
In modern English, per se is used to highlight the intrinsic nature of something, separate from surrounding circumstances.
Example: “The plan isn’t bad per se, but it needs better execution.”
This means that the plan, by itself, isn’t the problem—it’s the implementation that’s flawed.
Why “Per Say” Is Wrong
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. “Per say” doesn’t exist in the English language—it’s simply a misspelling and mishearing of per se.
Why People Make This Mistake
- Pronunciation: When spoken aloud, it sounds like “say,” leading to confusion.
- Autocorrect & Speech-to-Text: Writing tools sometimes fail to catch the mistake.
- Lack of Latin Familiarity: Many English speakers aren’t familiar with Latin phrases, so they write phonetically.
But here’s the truth: “Per say” is grammatically incorrect. You’ll never find it in any reputable dictionary, grammar guide, or style manual.
Per se is the only correct spelling recognized in standard English. The variant per say is simply a common error.
Understanding the Correct Usage of “Per Se”
How It Functions in a Sentence
The phrase per se is often used as a qualifier—it modifies a clause to indicate that something is true by itself, independent of context.
Correct Examples:
- “The movie wasn’t scary per se, but it was emotionally intense.”
- “It’s not illegal per se, but it’s highly discouraged.”
- “The color isn’t bad per se, just not my taste.”
Incorrect Example:
- “It’s not illegal per say.”
The distinction might look minor, but in professional writing, details like this separate amateur from polished communication.
Grammar Rules to Keep in Mind
- It’s a Latin phrase: So it should always remain in its original form—italicized in formal writing: per se.
- Punctuation: Often set off by commas, but only if it naturally fits the sentence rhythm.
- Correct: “The issue, per se, isn’t new.”
- Also correct: “The issue isn’t new per se.”
Common Contexts Where It Appears
- Legal documents: “The act was not illegal per se.”
- Academic writing: “Intelligence, per se, does not predict creativity.”
- Everyday conversation: “I’m not against coffee per se, I just prefer tea.”
Why “Per Se” Survived From Latin to English
English has borrowed thousands of words and phrases from Latin. Per se is one of the survivors because it conveys a precise idea that’s hard to replace with a single English term.
Other Latin Phrases Commonly Used in English
Latin PhraseEnglish MeaningCommon Usage ExamplePer seBy itself / in itself“Not wrong per se, but misguided.”Et cetera (etc.)And other things“Books, pens, etc.”Vice versaThe other way around“He dislikes her, and vice versa.”Status quoThe existing state“He wanted to maintain the status quo.”De factoIn fact / in practice“A de facto leader emerged.”
These Latin remnants persist because they add clarity, precision, and style to modern English.
The Linguistic Confusion Behind “Per Say”
The Sound Trap
Phonetically, per se sounds like per say—and that’s where the confusion begins. Since say is a real English word, many assume the phrase should be spelled that way. But say changes the meaning entirely.
Here’s a simple comparison:
VersionMeaningCorrect?Exampleper seBy itself / in itself“It’s not a problem per se.”per sayNone (not a valid phrase)“It’s not a problem per say.”
Once you know the Latin origin, remembering the correct form becomes second nature.
How to Use “Per Se” in Your Writing
Knowing when to use per se can elevate your writing from average to articulate.
Use It To Mean “By Itself”
When you want to focus on something’s intrinsic quality, use per se.
“Money per se doesn’t bring happiness.” “It’s not the rule per se that bothers me, but the way it’s enforced.”
Use It To Clarify
Sometimes per se acts as a softener—you’re saying something isn’t inherently bad, but in a specific context, it becomes problematic.
“I don’t dislike social media per se, but I think people overuse it.”
Common Misuses of “Per Se”
Even when people spell it correctly, they often misuse it. Here are common mistakes and how to fix them.
Incorrect UsageWhy It’s WrongCorrect Form“I don’t like running per se, it makes me tired.”Misused—“per se” doesn’t mean “because.”“I don’t dislike running per se, I just find it exhausting.”“She isn’t smart per se, she just memorizes.”Dismissive tone, unclear logic.“She isn’t brilliant per se, but she’s diligent.”“It’s a law per se against it.”Redundant—per se doesn’t mean “specific.”“There’s no law per se against it.”
Case Study: The Workplace Email Slip
A marketing manager once sent a client email saying:
“I’m not opposed to your idea per say, but let’s refine it.”
The client, a stickler for grammar, replied with:
“It’s per se, not per say.”
That minor error became a teaching moment. The team now double-checks for Latin phrases before hitting “send.” Lesson: Even a small linguistic slip can undermine credibility in professional settings.
Expert Insights on “Per Se”
Grammar experts agree that per se adds nuance when used properly—but it’s often overused.
Mignon Fogarty (Grammar Girl) explains: “Per se can make you sound more formal, but only when it fits naturally. Don’t drop it into casual sentences just to sound smart.”
The Chicago Manual of Style also recommends italicizing per se in print to preserve its Latin origin.
So, moderation is key. When you do use it, ensure it serves clarity—not pretension.
“Per Se” in Pop Culture and Media
You’ll often find per se in interviews, reviews, or social commentary because it helps soften statements.
Examples:
- “I’m not a fan of horror movies per se, but I liked Get Out.”
- “He’s not wrong per se, but he’s missing the bigger picture.”
Writers use it to sound thoughtful and balanced—a way of saying, “I’m not totally against this, but there’s more to it.”
Alternatives to “Per Se”
While per se is elegant, you don’t need it in every sentence.
Here are natural English alternatives you can use instead:
Alternative PhraseMeaningExampleIn itselfAlone, by itself“The rule in itself is fair.”By itselfIndependent of other things“The law by itself doesn’t solve the issue.”EssentiallyIn essence, basically“It’s essentially the same idea.”IntrinsicallyInherently, naturally“The job isn’t intrinsically difficult.”
Pro Tip: If you can replace ” per se with “in itself” and the sentence still makes sense, you’re using it correctly.
Read More: Is Used vs. Has Been Used vs. Was Used — Understanding the Correct Usage
How to Avoid Confusing “Per Say” and “Per Se”
Here’s a quick checklist to help you remember:
- Spell it “per se.” Always two words, never “persay.”
- Use it to mean “by itself.”
- Don’t use it just to sound sophisticated.
- Italicize it in formal or published writing: per se.
- Replace it with “in itself” to check if it fits.
Mnemonic Tip
Think of “se” as “self.” “Per se” literally means “by itself.” If you can remember “se = self,” you’ll never write “per say” again.
When Not to Use “Per Se”
While it’s a handy phrase, overusing per se can make writing sound forced or overly formal.
Avoid it when:
- The meaning is already clear without it.
- You’re writing simple instructions or casual text.
- It doesn’t add precision.
Example: Instead of “It’s not wrong per se,” you could simply say “It’s not exactly wrong.”
Proofreading Tip: Spotting Latin Phrases
Modern grammar tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor can highlight misspelled Latin phrases.
Quick Editing Checklist
- Search your document for “per say.”
- Replace all instances with per se.
- Read sentences aloud—does it sound natural?
- Remove unnecessary repetition.
“Writing well is often less about using fancy words and more about using the right ones—per se is one of those right ones.
Conclusion:
In summary, mastering the distinction between “per say or per se” isn’t just a grammar exercise—it’s a small but powerful way to boost your professional communication, whether you’re managing meetings, updating a calendar, or coordinating projects. Using per se correctly shows attention to detail, aligns with style guide recommendations, and enhances clarity in both formal writing and everyday correspondence.
By understanding its meaning, origin, and proper usage, you can confidently integrate per se into your vocabulary, ensuring your messages are precise and polished. With this knowledge, every email, report, or broadcasting announcement becomes a little more professional, consistent, and effective.
FAQs
Q: Is it ever correct to write “per say”?
No. “Per say” is always a mistake. The correct spelling is per se.
Q: Should I italicize “per se”?
Yes, in formal writing. In informal writing, regular type is fine.
Q: Can I replace “per se” with “necessarily”?
Not always. “Necessarily” implies inevitability, while “per se” means “by itself.”
Q: Is “per se” overused?
Sometimes. Use it when it truly adds meaning.
Q: Does “per se” make writing sound smarter?
Only if used correctly. When used wrong, it has the opposite effect.
Grace Marie is a skilled grammar expert at Grammar Apex, dedicated to helping writers of all levels refine their language skills. With a passion for clarity and precision, she offers insightful tips and easy-to-understand explanations to make even the trickiest grammar rules simple. Whether you’re crafting professional documents, academic essays, or everyday writing.