In everyday Language, confusion around per se and per say continues to appear in blog posts, conversations, and even professional publications. The origins and definitions of the phrase often get misunderstood, leading to incorrect usage despite people trying to sound correct. This article unpacks how such errors happen in real-world usage, especially when using formal expressions that are meant to sound confidently precise.
Even a pro or seasoned writer can fall into mistakes because the phrase tends to sneak into writing without notice. In sometimes casual speech, it feels common, but actually only per se is correct, while per say is incorrect. Many writers rely on quick answer guides and tips to avoid such errors, especially when switching between conversations and formal writing. Understanding evolves, and the article shows how knowledge grows through exposure to correct patterns.
From its origins to modern real-world usage, learners can walk away sure about the difference by studying clear definitions. It helps writers always avoid grammatical errors and maintain clarity in blog posts and formal writing. With practice, you can stay confidently accurate, avoid mistakes, and prevent the phrase from sneaking into your writing incorrectly.
Why So Many Get “Per Se” Wrong
If you’ve ever heard someone say “per say” in conversation or seen it in an email, you’re not alone. It sounds like “per say,” but spelling it that way is completely incorrect.
Why the confusion?
- Phonetic slip: People spell what they hear.
- Lack of Latin familiarity: Many don’t realize it’s a Latin phrase.
- Autocorrect errors: Some tools don’t flag “per say.”
“The most dangerous phrase in language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.'” – Grace Hopper
Misunderstood phrases become habits- but understanding their meaning and roots clears it all up.
What Does “Per Se” Mean?
“Per se” is a Latin phrase meaning “by itself” or “intrinsically.”
It’s used in English to indicate that something is being considered on its own terms, apart from other factors.
Definition in Context
| Term | Meaning | Example |
| Per se | By itself; inherently | “The idea isn’t bad per se, it’s just risky.” |
More Everyday Examples
- “He’s not rude per se, he’s just blunt.”
- “I don’t dislike the movie per se, I just expected more.”
- “It’s not illegal per se, but it’s definitely unethical.”
In each case, “per se” isolates one element or trait and clarifies it doesn’t represent the whole.
The Origin of “Per Se”: Latin, Not Misspelled English
Let’s go back to its roots.
“Per se” comes from Latin, where:
- per = by, through
- se = itself, himself, herself
So, “per se” literally translates to “by itself.”
Historical Use
- Legal Latin: Common in law to separate individual aspects of a case
- Philosophy & Logic: Used to analyze intrinsic qualities
- Academic Writing: Adopted into English centuries ago
The Oxford English Dictionary traces its use in English back to the 14th century.
Today, it’s fully naturalized into English, especially in academic, legal, and journalistic writing.
Why “Per Say” Is Incorrect (But So Common)
Let’s be clear: “Per say” is a misspelling. Always.
Why It Happens
- It sounds like “say”
- People don’t realize it’s foreign
- No spellcheck red flag in some tools
Examples of Misuse
| Incorrect | Why It’s Wrong |
| “Per say” | No such phrase in English or Latin |
| “Per say I don’t mind…” | Misspelling, loses all meaning |
It’s a classic eggcorn– a term for words or phrases that are misheard and reinterpreted incorrectly.
Think “for all intensive purposes” instead of “for all intents and purposes.”
How to Use “Per Se” Correctly in a Sentence
Let’s cement the proper use of “per se” with clear, simple examples.
Formal Writing
- “This isn’t a problem per se, but it could become one.”
Casual Conversation
- “I’m not against spicy food per se, I just prefer milder dishes.”
Academic Style
- “The methodology does not, per se, introduce bias, but its application may.”
Tip: Place “per se” after the thing you’re isolating or qualifying.
Is “Per Se” Pretentious? When It Sounds Awkward vs Natural
Yes and no. Like many Latinisms, “per se” can sound a little formal- or worse, pretentious– when overused or forced.
When It Works Naturally
- Clarifying complex thoughts: “He’s not lazy per se…”
- Contrasting nuance: “It’s not dangerous per se…”
When It Feels Off
- “He’s my friend per se…” → Why not just say “He’s kinda my friend”?
A Good Rule of Thumb
If you wouldn’t say it out loud, don’t write it. Substitute it with plainer alternatives if needed (see below).
Per Se vs. Similar Phrases: Key Distinctions
| Phrase | Meaning | Use When… | Example |
| Per se | By itself, inherently | You’re qualifying or isolating an idea | “It’s not expensive per se…” |
| Necessarily | Inevitably, always | You mean it must be true | “That’s not necessarily true.” |
| So to speak | Figuratively speaking | You’re being metaphorical or idiomatic | “He rules the office, so to speak.” |
| Inherently | By its nature | You mean it’s built-in | “It’s inherently flawed.” |
| Essentially | In essence, mostly | You’re summarizing core traits | “It’s essentially the same process.” |
Alternatives to “Per Se”: More Natural Choices for Everyday Writing
Sometimes, simpler is better.
Replace “Per Se” With:
- Directly – “Not directly offensive…”
- Specifically – “Not specifically an insult…”
- By itself – “Not bad by itself…”
- In itself – “The law in itself isn’t flawed…”
- Exactly – “Not exactly unfair…”
Avoid sounding stuffy: If you can make the same point with simpler English, do it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with “Per Se”
Let’s clean up common slip-ups:
🔥 Misuses
- ❌ Using “per say” in writing
- ❌ Putting “per se” at the beginning of a sentence
- ❌ Overusing it as filler (e.g. “That’s not, like, per se wrong…”)
✅ Best Practices
- ✅ Use to isolate/qualify an idea
- ✅ Place in mid or end position
- ✅ Use sparingly, for emphasis
Wrong: Per se, I don’t mind the idea.
Right: I don’t mind the idea per se, just the way it was executed.
Visual Breakdown: Where Most Writers Go Wrong
Here’s a quick look at how “per se” is used- and misused- online.
Social Media Examples (Correct vs. Incorrect)
| Example Tweet/Post | Correct? | Why |
| “It’s not a problem per say, just annoying.” | ❌ | Misspelled- should be “per se” |
| “Not a bad plan per se, but needs tweaks.” | ✅ | Correct use of “per se” |
| “Per se I love chocolate…” | ❌ | Wrong placement and unclear meaning |
Quick Grammar Tip: Italics or No Italics for Latin?
Some writers italicize Latin words. So should you?
What Style Guides Say
| Style Guide | Italicize “per se”? | Notes |
| APA | No | Common usage |
| MLA | No | Doesn’t require italics |
| Chicago | No | Only italicize unfamiliar Latin |
Bottom line: No italics needed. “Per se” is part of modern English.
Examples from Real Media: “Per Se” in Books, News & Film
Here are real-world excerpts:
- The New York Times: “It’s not a health risk per se, but it’s worth monitoring.”
- The Atlantic: “He’s not anti-science per se, but he questions authority.”
- Film (“The Social Network”): “It’s not illegal per se, but it’s sketchy.”
These examples show its power to soften, clarify, or qualify strong statements.
Mini Quiz: Can You Spot the Correct Use of “Per Se”?
Which sentence uses “per se” correctly?
- “Per se, I didn’t agree.”
- “That isn’t a lie per say.”
- “The rule isn’t fair per se, just outdated.”
- “We don’t per se believe that.”
Answer: Sentence 3 is correct.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between “per say” and “per se” is a small but important detail that strengthens clear writing. While “per se” is the correct Latin expression meaning “by itself” or “in itself,” the misspelling “per say” is very common in informal writing. Using the correct form helps maintain credibility, especially in academic, professional, and SEO-focused content. Language accuracy not only improves readability but also builds trust with your audience.
Once you remember that “per se” is the only correct version, it becomes easy to avoid confusion in the future. In everyday communication, the phrase adds precision when you want to clarify that something is being considered on its own, without external factors. Ultimately, mastering such small grammar distinctions can significantly elevate your writing quality and make your expression more polished, natural, and authoritative across all contexts online and offline.
FAQs
What does per se mean in simple terms?
Per se means “by itself” or “in itself.” It is used to show that something is being considered on its own rather than influenced by other factors. People often confuse it with per say due to pronunciation, but only per se is correct. It is widely used in formal writing, academic contexts, and legal language.
Is per say correct or incorrect?
Per say is incorrect. The correct Latin phrase is per se. The mistake happens because of how the phrase sounds when spoken quickly. Using per say can make writing appear less professional or inaccurate. Always use per se when expressing something meaning “by itself” or “in essence” in formal or academic communication.
Why do people write per say instead of per se?
People often write per say because of pronunciation confusion. When spoken quickly, per se may sound like “per say,” leading to spelling mistakes. It also appears frequently in informal writing where grammar accuracy is less strict. Over time, this error has become widespread even though per se remains the correct form.
How do you use per se in a sentence?
Per se is used to emphasize that something is considered on its own. For example, “The proposal is not wrong per se, but it needs improvement.” It helps isolate meaning and add clarity. It is commonly used in essays, professional writing, and formal discussions where precision in expression is important.
Is per se formal or informal language?
Per se is generally formal or semi-formal language. It is commonly used in academic writing, legal documents, and professional communication. While it can appear in everyday speech, it is more typical in structured writing. Its Latin origin gives it a slightly scholarly tone compared to simpler everyday alternatives.
Can per se be replaced with other phrases?
Yes, per se can be replaced depending on context. Common alternatives include “in itself,” “as such,” or “by itself.” However, per se often sounds more precise and formal. The choice depends on the tone and clarity required in your writing or speech, especially in professional or academic contexts.
What is the origin of per se?
Per se originates from Latin and literally means “by itself.” It entered English through legal and academic writing and gradually became common in general usage. Despite its adoption into modern English, it still retains a formal tone, which is why it is often seen in academic and professional contexts.
Does per se change meaning in different contexts?
The core meaning of per se remains the same: “in itself” or “on its own.” However, its nuance can vary slightly depending on context. In legal writing, it may imply strict interpretation, while in casual usage, it simply isolates an idea. The essential meaning, however, always stays consistent.
How can I remember the correct spelling?
A helpful way to remember is to split it into two parts: per and se. Think of “se” as related to “self,” meaning “by itself.” Regular reading and usage also help reinforce the correct spelling. This reduces the common mistake of writing per say instead of per se.
Common mistakes people make with per se?
The most common mistake is writing per say instead of per se. Some people also misuse it in places where simpler wording would be clearer. Another issue is overusing it to sound overly formal. Understanding its meaning and proper context helps improve clarity and writing quality.
