Per Say or Per Se? Which Is Correct?

When I first typed “per say” in an email, I paused and wondered if it looked right, and I realized many learners, students, and professionals face confusion about the phrase Per Say or per SE? Which Is Correct?, which is often used in both casual speech and formal writing to isolate the true nature of something and show it confidently.

Many students and professionals mix up this phrase when they write essays, emails, or social posts, and it can sound tricky or incorrect if mistakenly typed as “per say.” To use it properly, remember that it differs from synonyms like “necessarily” or “so to speak.” This article can offer a clear explanation, show examples, dive around common misuses, and explore another way to sound polished while writing, so the phrase comes from its origin and can be used in sentences, articles, or both formal and casual contexts.

Clearing the Air on “Per Say” vs. “Per Se”

It’s easy to see why “per say” happens. Spoken English often blurs sounds, and many assume “say” makes sense because it relates to “speaking.” But the confusion is purely phonetic.

Per se is a Latin phrase that means by itself or inherently. It’s two words, and its use in English is precise. Think of it as a magnifying glass: it doesn’t change the meaning of a sentence but emphasizes the intrinsic quality of something.

For example:

“The plan, per se, isn’t flawed, but the timing is off.”

Here, per se highlights that the plan itself isn’t bad; external factors are causing issues.

Remember: “per say” is always incorrect. Using it in formal writing or professional settings will instantly mark your writing as imprecise.

What Does “Per Se” Really Mean?

The Literal Meaning

“Per se” literally translates from Latin as by itself or in itself. It describes something considered independently, without reference to anything else.

For instance:

“The color of the dress isn’t unattractive per se, but it doesn’t suit her skin tone.”

Here, the dress’s color alone isn’t bad. The judgment comes from a combination of factors.

Historical Background

Per se entered English through legal and scholarly texts. Its earliest recorded English usage dates back to the 17th century, primarily in philosophical and legal discussions. Over time, it migrated to everyday English, retaining its sense of emphasis on intrinsic qualities.

Key Tip

Always write per se as two words. Avoid the tempting but incorrect “per say.”

Why “Per Say” Is Wrong

“Per say” is one of the most common mistakes in modern English. People mishear “per se” and spell it the way it sounds, assuming it’s a word they know.

Here’s why it’s incorrect:

• English doesn’t have a phrase “per say.”
• “Say” in this context doesn’t carry the meaning of intrinsic quality.
• Using “per say” is considered informal at best and wrong in academic, professional, and formal contexts.

Examples of Incorrect vs. Correct Usage

Incorrect	Correct
This isn’t a problem per say.	This isn’t a problem per se.
I don’t dislike it per say.	I don’t dislike it per se.
The method, per say, is ineffective.	The method, per se, is ineffective.

Notice how small the difference is visually but huge in correctness. One letter can change a phrase from proper Latin English to a grammatical mistake.

Correct Usage of “Per Se” in Different Contexts

Using per se correctly isn’t just about spelling; context matters. Here’s how it applies across writing styles:

Academic Writing

In academic texts, per se emphasizes intrinsic qualities.

“The hypothesis, per se, cannot explain the phenomenon, but the supporting data strengthens its validity.”

This usage is precise and avoids ambiguity.

Casual Writing and Conversation

Even in informal contexts, per se can add clarity.

“I’m not against chocolate, per se, but I try to eat it in moderation.”

Here, it distinguishes the speaker’s stance on chocolate itself versus their overall habits.

Legal and Formal Contexts

In law, per se has a specific meaning: it refers to actions or facts that are inherently illegal or valid without further explanation.

“Driving under the influence is per se illegal in most states.”

This means the act is automatically considered illegal, without needing additional proof.

Synonyms and Alternatives to “Per Se”

Sometimes, per se can be replaced with other words without losing meaning. Here are some alternatives:

• Intrinsically: The idea isn’t wrong intrinsically.
• In itself: The task isn’t difficult in itself.
• By definition: Freedom, by definition, includes responsibility.

Comparison Table

Per Se	Synonym	Example
Per se	Intrinsically	The idea isn’t bad intrinsically.
Per se	In itself	The task is not difficult in itself.
Per se	By definition	Freedom, by definition, carries responsibility.

Choosing synonyms can make writing more varied and natural while retaining the nuance of per se.

Common Misuses of “Per Se” and How to Avoid Them

Even people who know the correct spelling often misuse per se. Here are common pitfalls:

Misuse #1: Using “Per Se” for “Necessarily”

Incorrect: “He isn’t lazy, per se, but he avoids extra work.”
Correct: “He isn’t lazy, but he avoids extra work.”

Here, “per se” adds unnecessary emphasis and can confuse the sentence’s meaning.

Misuse #2: Overusing in Casual Conversation

Some writers sprinkle per se in every other sentence to sound sophisticated. Overuse can feel forced. Use it sparingly.

Misuse #3: Using It in the Wrong Context

“I like ice cream, per se.” → Unnecessary. Just say: “I like ice cream.”

Tip: Ask yourself: Are you emphasizing the intrinsic quality of something? If not, skip per se.

How “Per Se” Differs from Similar Phrases

Per se is often confused with related phrases. Understanding distinctions improves clarity.

Per Se vs. Necessarily

• Per se: emphasizes the thing itself.
• Necessarily: emphasizes inevitability.

Example:

“The solution isn’t effective per se, but under certain conditions, it works.”
“The solution isn’t necessarily effective under all conditions.”

Per Se vs. So to Speak

• Per se: literal, intrinsic meaning.
• So to speak: figurative, idiomatic.

“He is a genius, so to speak.” → Figurative
“Genius, per se, requires exceptional intellectual ability.” → Literal

Per Se vs. In Itself

• Per se often feels more formal or academic.
• In itself is simpler, everyday English.

“The proposal, per se, is sound.” → Formal
“The proposal, in itself, is sound.” → Casual

Practical Tips to Master “Per Se”

Memory Trick

Think: per se = by itself. Whenever you want to emphasize something in isolation, it’s your phrase.

Checklist for Correct Usage

1. Always write per se as two words.
2. Use only when emphasizing intrinsic qualities.
3. Avoid using it instead of “necessarily” or “in general.”

Exercises for Readers

Identify the correct usage:

• “This rule isn’t unfair, ___, but it may seem harsh.”
• “The policy is, ___, effective in theory.”

Answers: per se

By practicing, you internalize the phrase naturally.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “per say” and “per se” is simpler than it seems. The phrase “per se” is correct, grammatically sound, and comes from Latin, meaning “by itself” or “in itself.” Many people, including students, learners, and professionals, mistakenly use “per say,” causing confusion in writing, emails, essays, or social posts.

To use it properly, remember it differs from synonyms like “necessarily” or “so to speak.” Being aware of its origin, true nature, and contextual use will help you sound more polished and confident in both casual speech and formal writing.

FAQs

Q1: Is “per say” correct?

No, “per say” is grammatically incorrect. The correct term is “per se.”

Q2: What does “per se” mean?

It means “by itself” or “in itself,” used to isolate the nature of something.

Q3: Can I use “per se” in casual writing?

Yes, it can be used in both formal and casual contexts confidently.

Q4: How do I remember the correct usage?

Think of Latin origin, the true meaning, and avoid mixing it up with “per say.”

Q5: Are there synonyms for “per se”?

It differs from terms like “necessarily” or “so to speak,” which can be used in specific contexts.