Many writers and speakers often get confused between Per Se and Per Say, even though only one of them is correct. You might see both versions used online, in blogs, or on social media, which makes the confusion even worse. Per se is a Latin phrase that means “by itself”, “in itself”, or “intrinsically.” It’s commonly used in formal writing, academic texts, and professional communication to clarify that something is being considered on its own, not in comparison to something else. On the other hand, per say is a common misspelling and has no real meaning in English. Understanding the difference helps improve grammar accuracy, writing clarity, and language confidence.
Knowing when and how to use per se correctly can instantly make your writing sound more polished and professional. This phrase often appears in legal writing, business emails, and everyday conversations when you want to emphasize meaning without additional context. For example, saying “The idea isn’t wrong per se” shows nuance and precision. Learning the correct phrase also helps avoid grammar mistakes, improves SEO-friendly content, and builds strong writing habits. In this guide, we’ll break down the meaning, usage, and examples of per se, explain why per say is incorrect, and help you confidently choose the right phrase every time.
What Does “Per Se” Actually Mean?
The phrase per se comes directly from Latin and literally translates to “by itself” or “in itself.” In English, it’s used to indicate that something is considered on its own, without reference to other factors.
For example:
- “The plan, per se, is sound, but its implementation is flawed.”
- “Chocolate isn’t unhealthy per se, but eating it in excess can cause problems.”
Notice how the phrase isolates the subject, emphasizing its intrinsic qualities rather than external circumstances.
Common Misunderstandings
Many people write “per say” thinking it’s the correct form. This mistake comes from phonetic mishearing and misunderstanding the Latin origin. Unlike “per se,” per say has no linguistic basis and is considered incorrect in formal and informal English.
The Origin of “Per Se”
The history of per se is fascinating because it shows how Latin has influenced modern English.
- Latin Roots: The phrase originated in Latin, meaning “through itself” or “by itself.”
- Entry into English: English borrowed it during the Renaissance when scholars translated legal, philosophical, and scientific works from Latin.
- Historical Usage: Early English texts often used per se in law and philosophy to isolate a concept or entity. For example, in 17th-century legal documents, writers used it to distinguish actions inherently wrong from those wrong due to circumstances.
Even today, dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster confirm that per se is the correct and only accepted form in English.
British English vs American English Usage
A common question is whether per se differs between British and American English. The answer is straightforward:
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Spelling | per se | per se |
| Usage Frequency | Moderate | High in formal writing |
| Common Misuse | Rare | More frequent “per say” errors |
| Dictionaries | Oxford, Collins | Merriam-Webster, American Heritage |
Both dialects use per se, and there is no alternate spelling like “per say.” However, Americans may encounter more informal misuse due to casual writing on social media, blogs, and forums.
Why “Per Say” Is Incorrect
Understanding why per say is wrong helps you remember the correct form.
Reasons for Mistake:
- Phonetic Misinterpretation – People hear “per se” and spell it as it sounds.
- Influence of “say” – English speakers may unconsciously replace unfamiliar Latin phrases with familiar words.
- Informal Writing – Social media and texting often propagate errors quickly.
Examples of Incorrect Usage:
- “The book isn’t interesting per say.” ❌
- “Per say, I don’t agree with this idea.” ❌
Always replace per say with per se in formal and even informal contexts.
Correct Usage of Per Se in Everyday Writing and Speech
Using per se correctly can make your sentences more precise and sophisticated. Here’s how to do it:
Everyday Examples
- Formal Writing:
- “The legislation, per se, does not violate any laws, but its enforcement is problematic.”
- Casual Conversation:
- “I don’t dislike pizza per se, but I can’t eat it every day.”
Tips for Proper Use
- Avoid redundancy: Don’t use it when the sentence already implies “by itself.”
- Isolate the concept: Use it to emphasize intrinsic qualities.
- Keep it short: Typically, one phrase or clause is enough.
Mini Exercise: Identify which sentence uses per se correctly:
- “I don’t hate coffee, per say.” ❌
- “The device, per se, works perfectly, but the accessories are faulty.” ✅
The second sentence isolates the device itself, which is exactly what per se is meant to do.
Google Trends & Usage Data Analysis
Curious about how often people search for per se vs per say? Data from Google Trends provides insights:
| Keyword | Global Interest (2025) | Peak Regions | Common Queries |
| per se | 100 | USA, UK, Canada | “per se meaning,” “how to use per se” |
| per say | 25 | USA | “per say correct spelling,” “per say vs per se” |
Insights:
- Per se dominates searches by a wide margin, confirming it as the accepted term.
- Most mistakes occur in informal contexts online.
- Writers, students, and professionals frequently search for usage clarification, highlighting ongoing confusion.
Also Read This: Too Bad vs To Bad – The Definitive Guide to Correct Spelling and Usage?
Quick Tips to Remember the Correct Phrase
Here are practical tips to make sure you never confuse per se with per say:
- Think Latin: Remember “per se” means by itself.
- Mnemonic Trick: “Per se = Self-contained, by itself.”
- Check Dictionaries: Always verify in Oxford, Merriam-Webster, or Collins.
- Avoid Phonetic Assumptions: Don’t write words based solely on how they sound.
Common Mistakes with Per Se
Even experienced writers sometimes misuse per se. Here are the top pitfalls:
- Using “per say” – The most frequent error.
- Overcomplicating sentences – Using per se in long, convoluted sentences makes the phrase lose clarity.
- Misinterpreting meaning – Using per se when you mean “for example” or “in general.”
Example Table – Correct vs Incorrect Usage:
| Sentence | Correct/Incorrect | Explanation |
| “The movie, per se, wasn’t bad, but the plot was confusing.” | Correct | Isolates the movie itself |
| “I don’t like sushi, per say.” | Incorrect | “Per say” is not a recognized term |
| “Per se, running is fun.” | Correct | Highlights running by itself, not external factors |
| “He is smart, per se.” | Correct | Indicates intelligence as an inherent trait |
FAQs
1. Is “per say” ever correct in English?
No, per say is not correct. It’s a misspelling of per se and has no meaning in English. The correct phrase is always per se.
2. What does “per se” actually mean?
Per se means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.” It’s used when something is being discussed on its own, without comparison or added context.
3. Is “per se” formal or informal?
Per se is considered formal, but it’s widely accepted in professional writing, academic work, legal documents, and even casual conversations when used correctly.
4. Should “per se” be italicized in writing?
In formal or academic writing, per se is often italicized because it’s a Latin phrase. However, in casual or digital content, italicizing it is optional.
5. Can using “per say” hurt my writing credibility?
Yes. Using per say instead of per se can signal poor grammar and reduce writing credibility, especially in professional, SEO, or academic content.
Conclusion
When it comes to Per Se or Per Say, the answer is clear—per se is the correct phrase, while per say is simply a common error. Understanding this difference helps improve grammar accuracy, clear communication, and professional writing quality. Whether you’re writing a blog post, an email, or an academic paper, using per se correctly adds precision and confidence to your message. Mastering small details like this may seem minor, but strong language skills are built on getting these details right.
