Per Say or Per Se? Which Is Correct?  

The confusion comes from how the phrase “per se” sounds when spoken- it’s often misheard and wrongly written as “per say.” This Latin term means “by itself” and helps make your point more precise. Many people, even fluent speakers, mistakenly spell it as per say, but that’s not correct. This slip-up can cause misunderstandings in everyday or professional communication. If you’re unsure how to use it or what “pre say or per se” means, this comprehensive guide explains its origins, meaning, and common misuse.

The issue arises because “per” and “say” sound natural together, but “per se” isn’t a valid phrase at all. The correct version, “per se,” helps clarify your meaning, like in “The comment wasn’t rude per se, but it came off a bit harsh.” It’s a useful phrase when you want to isolate the idea you’re discussing. Now that you know per se is the right one, avoid falling back on the incorrect form. Stick to proper usage, and your English will sound more polished and accurate.

Quick Answer: “Per Se” Is Correct, Not “Per Say”

Let’s get this out of the way:

• ✅ Correct: Per se
• ❌ Incorrect: Per The phrase per se is a Latin expression meaning “by itself” or “intrinsically.” “Per se” is simply a phonetic mistake, often made by those who have heard the phrase but never seen it written.

Pronunciation: /ˌpɜːr ˈseɪ/ or /ˌpɜːr ˈsiː/
(rhymes with “her say” or “purr see”)

What Does “Per Se” Mean?

Definition from Trusted Sources

• Merriam-Webster: “by, of, or in itself or oneself or themselves: as such”
• Oxford English Dictionary: “used to mean ‘by itself’ to show that you are referring to something on its own, rather than in connection with other things”

Core Meaning

“Per se” highlights the intrinsic nature of something, separate from its external factors or context.

Examples of “Per Se” in Sentences

Here’s a helpful table to show how “per se” is used in different settings:

Sentence	What It Means
“The app isn’t bad per se, but it needs a better interface.”	The app isn’t inherently bad
“He’s not funny per se– he’s just awkward.”	He’s not naturally funny
“It’s not a rule per se, more like a strong suggestion.”	It’s not technically a rule

The phrase adds nuance. It separates the thing itself from how it’s perceived, implemented, or applied.

Latin Origins of “Per Se”

“Per se” is Latin:

• Per = through, by
• Se = itself/himself/herself

Used by Roman philosophers and later adopted into legal and philosophical English, it retained its original meaning. It’s still used in law, logic, academia, and increasingly in everyday language.

Example from legal writing:
“The contract is not void per se, but unenforceable under current law.”

How to Use “Per Se” Correctly in a Sentence

Basic Rule

Use “per se” to isolate the inherent quality of something.

Correct Uses

• “I don’t dislike her per se, but she’s difficult to work with.”
• “Chocolate per se doesn’t cause acne- it’s the sugar content.”

What to Avoid

• Don’t use it to replace “for example” or “that is.”
• Don’t use it for emphasis or filler.

Why People Mistakenly Say “Per Se”

There are a few reasons why “per se” has spread online:

• Phonetic misunderstanding: “Per se” sounds like “per sse”
• Lack of exposure: Many people hear it in conversation or media, but never see it in print.
• Auto-correct errors: Phones and browsers often switch “se” to “say.”

Google Trends Insight

The phrase “per se” receives thousands of monthly searches, despite being incorrect. It’s a great example of common linguistic drift caused by oral vs. written language.

Common Mistakes Involving “Per Se”

Here’s a list of frequent errors:

• ❌ Using it as filler (e.g., “I was just, per se, thinking…”)
• ❌ Using it interchangeably with “that is” or “namely”
• ❌ Writing it as “per sse

How to Fix It

Instead of:

“It’s not illegal, per se.”

Write:

“It’s not illegal, per se, but it may be unethical.”

Synonyms and Alternatives for “Per Se”

You don’t always need to use “per se.” Depending on the tone, simpler synonyms may work better:

Synonym	When to Use
Inherently	For natural qualities
Essentially	For summarizing the core
Intrinsically	For built-in traits
As such	To denote classification

Example:
Instead of “The policy isn’t harmful per se,” try “The policy isn’t inherently harmful.”

“Per Se” vs. Similar Phrases

Per Se vs. Necessarily

• Per se refers to the thing itself.
• Necessarily adds probability or logic.

Example:

“The statement isn’t false per se, but misleading.”
“The statement isn’t necessarily false- it depends on interpretation.”

Per Se vs. So to Speak

• “So to speak” is idiomatic and figurative.
• “Per se” is literal.

Example:

“He’s a dinosaur, so to speak.” (figurative)
“It’s not a rule, per se.” (literal)

When Not to Use “Per Se”

Avoid overuse. It can sound pretentious or unnecessary, especially when clarity is more important than formality.

Don’t Use “Per Se” When:

• Talking informally: “The movie wasn’t bad” is often better than “per se.”
• You mean “specifically,” “namely,” or “for instance”

How to Use “Per Se” to Enhance Your Writing

Use “per se” to sound more precise when needed. It’s ideal for:

• Legal briefs
• Research papers
• Analytical writing
• Persuasive essays

Tip: Use it sparingly and only where it adds nuance.

Real-World Usage from Reputable Sources

The Economist:
“It is not corruption per se that is damaging, but the perception of it.”

The New York Times:
“He’s not opposed to the deal per se, but the terms need adjusting.”

Harvard Law Review:
“The doctrine does not require intent per se, but a demonstration of knowledge.”

Frequently Confused Words Like “Per Se”

Language is full of tricky pairs. Here are some commonly confused words and phrases:

Word Pair	Correct Usage	Meaning
Nutriment vs. Nutrition	Nutrition	Nutriment is outdated
Imminent vs. Immanent	Imminent	About to happen (vs. spiritual presence)
Relation vs. Relationship	Relationship	For emotional or social connection
Allude vs. Elude	Allude	To hint at
Bored vs. Board	Bored	Lacking interest
Marquee vs. Marquis	Marquee	A theater sign or canopy

Knowing the difference improves clarity and professionalism in your writing.

It’s Always “Per Se,” Never “Per Se”

Let’s wrap this up clearly:
“Per se” is correct. “Per se” is not.

Using it properly sets you apart as someone who understands nuance and respects the precision of language. Whether in a formal email, legal document, academic paper, or casual blog, per se is a powerful phrase when used correctly.

Avoid “per se entirely. It’s not a spelling variant. It’s an error. And now, thanks to this guide, you won’t make it.

“Per Se”

What does “per se” mean?

It means “in itself” or “by itself.” It describes something in its own right, separate from other factors.

Is “per se” ever acceptable?

No. “Per se” is a misspelling of the Latin phrase “per se.” It is never considered correct in English.

Can I use “per se” in business writing?

Yes, especially in legal, academic, or analytical contexts. Use it when you want to express something intrinsic or inherent.

What are some better alternatives to “per se”?

Try using “inherently,” “essentially,” or “as such” if you want more modern or plain English alternatives.

How can I remember the correct form?

Remember: “Per se” comes from Latin. “Se” = itself. If it helps, think: “Self-Explanatory.”

Final Thoughts

Language evolves, but precision never goes out of style. When it comes to the phrase “per se,” using it correctly is more than just a grammatical win- it signals attention to detail, intellectual clarity, and respect for language’s nuance. Mistaking it for “per se” may seem minor, but in professional or academic settings, such errors can undercut your credibility.

The truth is, Latin expressions like per se have stood the test of time because they pack meaning into compact phrases. They serve a purpose. But like any tool, they work best when used intentionally- not to sound fancy, but to add clarity, depth, or specificity.

Remember:

• “Per se” means “by itself” or “inherently.”
• “Per se” is never correct– it’s a spelling error
• Use “per se” when you want to isolate the essence of something
• Avoid overusing it, especially when simpler words will do

The next time you’re tempted to type “per se,” stop and ask yourself: Do I mean in itself? If the answer is yes, then write it right, per se.

Mastering this small but impactful phrase elevates your writing and makes your language stand out for the right reasons.

FAQs

What does “per se” mean in everyday language?

“Per se” means by itself or inherently. It’s used to refer to the essential quality of something, without considering external factors.

Example: “The shirt isn’t ugly per se, it just doesn’t suit you.”

Is “per se” ever correct?

No. “Per se” is incorrect in all contexts. It’s a misspelling of the Latin phrase “per se.” While it might sound right when spoken, it’s not accepted in written English.

How do you pronounce “per se”?

/pɜːr ˈseɪ/ or /pɜːr ˈsiː/
It sounds like “purr say” or “purr see,” depending on your accent. Either way, it ends in “se,” not “say.”

Can I use “per se” in casual conversations?

Yes, but sparingly. It fits best in formal writing or when you need to clarify something’s core quality. In casual speech, simpler alternatives like “in itself” or “basically” are often more natural.

What’s a simple way to remember the correct spelling?

Think of “se” as short for “self” (as in, itself).
So: “Per se” = by itself.
You can also remember that “say” means to speak, which has nothing to do with the phrase’s real meaning.

What are some good alternatives to “per se”?

Try:

• Inherently
• Essentially
• By nature
• In and of itself

These options work especially well if you’re aiming for clarity over sophistication.

Is it okay to use “per se” in academic or business writing?

Absolutely. In fact, “per se” is commonly used in:

• Legal writing
• Research papers
• Analytical essays
  Just be sure you’re using it for the intrinsic nature of something, not just to sound intelligent.