Have you ever written “per say” in an email, social media post, or school assignment and then wondered if it was actually correct? If so, you’re far from alone. The Per Say or Per Se question is one of the most frequently misunderstood topics in the English language because both versions share almost the same pronunciation. When people hear the phrase in spoken English, they often assume it is spelled exactly as it sounds. That assumption leads to a very common misspelling. In reality, Per Se is the only correct phrase and a genuine Latin phrase, while Per Say is an incorrect phrase with no formal place in standard English.
The meaning of Per Se is “by itself” or “in itself.” You use it when you want to discuss something based on its own true nature rather than outside influences or surrounding circumstances. For example, you might say that a decision is not wrong per se, but the way someone carried it out created problems. This simple phrase appears regularly in formal writing, academic writing, professional writing, legal documents, research papers, and even everyday conversations. Unfortunately, because the words sound almost identical, many English learners, students, writers, editors, and proof-readers accidentally write Per Say instead. Understanding the difference, distinction, context, contextual meaning, grammar, grammar rules, correct spelling, and incorrect form makes it much easier to use the expression naturally in both written English and spoken English.
This guide explores the origin, Latin origin, etymology, and history behind Per Se, explaining how it entered modern English and why it continues to confuse so many people today. You’ll discover practical examples, usage examples, phrase comparison, synonyms, alternative phrases, and common misuses that appear in emails, online discussions, articles, and everyday communication. Along the way, you’ll learn simple memory techniques, proofreading habits, and writing style tips that improve precision, readability, linguistic accuracy, and professional communication. Whether you’re trying to strengthen your vocabulary, improve your language learning, or simply want to write with greater confidence, understanding Per Se will help you communicate more naturally and avoid a mistake that many fluent speakers still make.
Quick Answer: Per Say or Per Se?
| Phrase | Correct? | Meaning |
| Per se | ✅ Yes | By itself, inherently, in itself |
| Per say | ❌ No | Misspelling of per se |
The correct expression is per se.
It comes from Latin and means:
- By itself
- In itself
- Intrinsically
- As such
For example:
Money isn’t evil per se.
This means money isn’t inherently evil.
What Does “Per Se” Really Mean?
The phrase per se literally means by itself or in itself.
You use it when talking about the inherent nature of something rather than its effects or surrounding circumstances.
Instead of discussing outside influences, per se focuses on the thing alone.
For example:
Technology isn’t dangerous per se.
You’re saying technology itself isn’t dangerous. Instead, the way people use technology may create risks.
Similarly:
Competition isn’t bad per se.
Competition itself isn’t the problem. Problems arise only under certain conditions.
That’s why per se appears frequently in:
- Academic writing
- Legal writing
- Medical research
- Scientific articles
- Business communication
- Professional discussions
It allows writers to express nuanced ideas with precision.
Why “Per Say” Is Incorrect
Although millions of people type per say into search engines every year, it remains incorrect.
There has never been an accepted English phrase spelled per say.
Instead, it’s a classic example of a phonetic spelling error.
People hear:
per se
But they write:
per say
Because “say” is already a familiar English word.
Unlike per se, the word say has nothing to do with the meaning of the expression.
Professional editors immediately recognize per say as a spelling mistake.
Most spellcheckers won’t automatically correct it because both per and say are valid English words individually.
Why This Mistake Happens
Several factors explain why the error is so common.
Most people learn it by hearing
Many speakers hear the phrase during conversations, podcasts, meetings, or television shows before ever seeing it written.
Without seeing its Latin spelling, they naturally guess.
English pronunciation hides the difference
The pronunciation of per se sounds almost identical to per say.
English contains many borrowed expressions that don’t follow normal spelling rules.
That makes this phrase particularly deceptive.
Latin expressions aren’t common anymore
Modern English still uses dozens of Latin phrases, including:
- per se
- vice versa
- ad hoc
- de facto
- bona fide
- status quo
Many people know their meanings without knowing their original spellings.
Autocorrect doesn’t always help
Since both per and say are legitimate English words, many writing tools won’t flag the mistake.
That means the error often survives proofreading.
The Origin of “Per Se”
Understanding the phrase’s history makes remembering it much easier.
Per se comes directly from Latin.
- Per means “through” or “by.”
- Se means “itself.”
Combined, they produce the idea of:
by itself
The phrase entered English centuries ago through legal, philosophical, and scholarly writing.
Over time it became part of everyday educated English while retaining its original spelling.
Unlike many borrowed expressions that changed over time, per se remained almost identical to its Latin form.
That’s why changing se to say creates a spelling that has never been historically correct.
Grammar Rules for Using “Per Se”
Although per se looks unusual, using it correctly is straightforward.
Use it after the idea you’re describing
Correct:
Coffee isn’t unhealthy per se.
Correct:
Social media isn’t harmful per se.
Incorrect:
Per se coffee isn’t unhealthy.
Don’t italicize it in modern writing
Years ago, Latin expressions were commonly italicized.
Today, major style guides treat per se as an ordinary English expression.
So write:
The proposal isn’t flawed per se.
Not:
The proposal isn’t flawed per se.
Don’t overuse it
Like any sophisticated expression, per se works best when used sparingly.
If every paragraph contains it, readers may find your writing repetitive or overly formal.
Sometimes simpler alternatives communicate the same idea more naturally.
Common Contexts Where “Per Se” Appears
You’ll encounter per se across many professional fields.
Academic Writing
Researchers often separate inherent characteristics from outside influences.
Example:
Intelligence isn’t determined by education per se.
Business
Managers use the phrase during strategic discussions.
Example:
Higher spending isn’t the problem per se.
Law
Legal professionals frequently distinguish actions from circumstances.
Example:
Possession isn’t illegal per se.
Medicine
Doctors often explain that symptoms alone aren’t inherently dangerous.
Example:
Fever isn’t harmful per se.
Technology
Software engineers commonly discuss systems objectively.
Example:
Artificial intelligence isn’t risky per se.
These examples show why per se remains an important expression in modern English.
When Should You Use “Per Se”?
Ask yourself one simple question:
Am I talking about something by itself?
If yes, per se probably fits.
Examples:
- Success isn’t easy per se.
- Working remotely isn’t unproductive per se.
- Stress isn’t harmful per se.
- Money isn’t happiness per se.
- Speed isn’t dangerous per se.
In every example, the writer discusses the inherent nature of something rather than its surrounding circumstances.
Examples of Correct Usage
Here are natural examples you’ll hear in everyday English.
Everyday Conversation
Chocolate isn’t unhealthy per se.
Traveling alone isn’t dangerous per se.
Workplace
The proposal isn’t wrong per se.
The software isn’t broken per se.
Education
Memorization isn’t learning per se.
Business
Discounts aren’t profitable per se.
Science
Radiation isn’t harmful per se.
Each sentence uses per se to separate intrinsic qualities from external factors.
Historical and Linguistic Context of Per Se
Latin Roots of Per Se
The phrase per se comes directly from Latin, where per means “by” or “through” and se means “itself.” Together, they literally translate to “by itself” or “in itself.” Unlike many borrowed expressions that changed over time, per se kept both its original spelling and meaning. That consistency explains why per say has never become an accepted alternative in English.
Latin expressions still appear throughout modern English because they communicate complex ideas with remarkable precision. You’ll also encounter phrases like vice versa, de facto, ad hoc, bona fide, and status quo in professional writing. Knowing their correct spelling helps you write with greater confidence and credibility.
How the Phrase Became Part of English
English borrowed per se during the Middle Ages through legal, philosophical, and scholarly texts. Writers valued the expression because it separated an object’s intrinsic qualities from external circumstances.
For example:
“Competition isn’t harmful per se.”
The sentence doesn’t criticize competition itself. Instead, it leaves room to discuss how certain situations may create problems.
Today, lawyers, professors, journalists, scientists, business professionals, and editors continue using per se because few English alternatives express the same nuance so efficiently.
Why the Original Spelling Never Changed
Many foreign expressions become Anglicized over time. Per se didn’t.
The phrase remained stable because:
- Legal writing preserved the original Latin.
- Academic institutions continued teaching the traditional form.
- Dictionaries consistently listed per se as the standard spelling.
- Style guides never recognized per say.
As a result, every major English dictionary accepts per se and rejects per say.
Sound Traps and Mispronunciations
Why Your Ear Tricks You
One reason per say appears so often is simple: both versions sound almost identical when spoken aloud.
Many people first hear the expression during:
- Workplace meetings
- Podcasts
- Television interviews
- University lectures
- Casual conversations
Without seeing the phrase written, they naturally spell it based on pronunciation.
That’s called a phonetic spelling error, where writers substitute familiar English words for unfamiliar ones.
Other Common Sound-Based Mistakes
Per se isn’t the only phrase affected by pronunciation.
Here are several similar examples:
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Per say | Per se |
| Deep seeded | Deep-seated |
| Case and point | Case in point |
| Nip it in the butt | Nip it in the bud |
| For all intensive purposes | For all intents and purposes |
These mistakes happen because spoken English often hides the original spelling.
How to Remember the Correct Pronunciation
A simple memory trick helps.
Think:
Per se = by itself
Whenever you remember the meaning, the spelling becomes easier to recall.
How to Use Per Se Effectively
Use It to Highlight Intrinsic Qualities
The strongest use of per se focuses on the essential nature of something.
Examples:
- “Technology isn’t dangerous per se.”
- “Money isn’t evil per se.”
- “Failure isn’t negative per se.”
Each sentence separates the object from outside influences.
Use It to Clarify a Point
Sometimes readers misunderstand a broad statement.
Adding per se makes your meaning more precise.
Instead of writing:
“Social media is harmful.”
Write:
“Social media isn’t harmful per se. Misuse creates the problem.”
The second sentence communicates a much more balanced idea.
Avoid Overusing It
Although per se is useful, repeating it throughout an article weakens its impact.
Good writers mix it with simpler alternatives when appropriate.
Examples include:
- inherently
- by itself
- in itself
- intrinsically
- on its own
Choosing the simplest wording often improves readability.
Common Misuses and Real Examples
Workplace Email Example
Incorrect
The proposal isn’t bad per say.
Correct
The proposal isn’t bad per se, but it needs more supporting data.
Notice how the corrected sentence distinguishes the proposal itself from its missing details.
Social Media Example
Incorrect
Coffee isn’t unhealthy per say.
Correct
Coffee isn’t unhealthy per se. Drinking too much may cause problems.
This version sounds natural and follows standard English.
Academic Example
Incorrect
Memorization isn’t learning per say.
Correct
Memorization isn’t learning per se because understanding requires deeper thinking.
Academic writing values precise distinctions, making per se especially useful.
Expert Insights
Professional editors consistently recommend using per se only when it genuinely improves clarity.
Many writing instructors advise asking one question before using it:
“Am I describing something by itself?”
If the answer is yes, per se likely fits.
If not, a simpler English phrase may work better.
Major dictionaries and respected style references all recognize per se as the standard form.
Pop Culture References
Although per se originated in Latin, it appears frequently in modern entertainment.
You’ll hear it in:
- Television interviews
- Courtroom dramas
- Political debates
- Podcasts
- Business presentations
- News broadcasts
Characters often use the phrase when making careful distinctions.
For example:
“The decision wasn’t wrong per se.”
The speaker isn’t fully defending the decision. They’re simply clarifying that the problem lies elsewhere.
Movies and television have helped introduce the phrase to millions of viewers, but they’ve also contributed to the widespread misspelling per say because audiences hear the words more often than they read them.
Alternatives and Synonyms for Per Se
Sometimes a plain English alternative works even better.
| Instead of Per Se | Use When |
| By itself | Everyday conversation |
| In itself | Formal writing |
| Inherently | Academic writing |
| Naturally | General discussion |
| Intrinsically | Scientific or philosophical writing |
| Essentially | Business writing |
Replacing per se occasionally makes your writing easier to understand without changing the meaning.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Per Say or Per Se is easier once you know where the phrase comes from and how it works in everyday English. Although many people write Per Say because it matches the way the phrase sounds in spoken English, the only correct form is Per Se. This Latin phrase means “by itself” or “in itself,” and it appears regularly in formal writing, academic writing, professional communication, and even casual conversations.
Using Per Se correctly improves your writing accuracy, clarity, and credibility. It also helps you avoid one of the most common grammar and spelling mistakes in modern English. Whether you’re writing an email, editing a report, preparing a research paper, or posting on social media, choosing the correct expression shows attention to detail and strengthens your message.
The easiest way to remember the rule is simple: if you mean “by itself,” always write Per Se. Never replace it with Per Say. A small spelling choice can make a big difference in how professional and polished your writing appears.
FAQs
Q1. Is Per Say ever correct?
No. Per Say is considered an incorrect spelling. The correct expression is Per Se, a Latin phrase meaning “by itself” or “in itself.”
Q2. What does Per Se mean?
Per Se means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.” It refers to the nature of something without considering outside factors.
Q3. Why do people write Per Say instead of Per Se?
Most people hear the phrase before they see it written. Because both versions have nearly the same pronunciation, they assume the spelling is Per Say, creating a common misspelling.
Q4. Is Per Se used in formal writing?
Yes. Per Se appears frequently in academic writing, legal documents, business communication, professional writing, and other formal contexts.
Q5. Can I use Per Se in everyday conversations?
Absolutely. While Per Se is common in formal English, many native speakers also use it in casual conversations when they want to clarify that something is true by itself.
