Per Say or Per Se? Which Is Correct?

Per Say or Per Se often comes up when I taught students the real difference between terms that sound alike, and the way this phrase gets misused in English always made me wondered why the common mix-up happens so often in casual speech.

When I hear the sounds of “per say,” they seem alike, yet the truth is that the correct Latin term per se means “by itself,” and using it wrong or grammatically incorrect can affect the clarity, credibility, and professionalism of your writing.

I’ve watched learners rely on quick typing in email, posting on social media, or rushing through forums, which leads to small mistakes that happen more than they think, especially when they don’t remember the origin, the phrase’s spelling, or the nature of its true usage.

From what I’ve seen, Confusing the two phrases causes misuses, misunderstandings, and awkward communication, especially when people try to sound smart or precise but end up sending the wrong message. When you know the rules, pay attention to detail, and understand why the actual form spelled as per se is the only proper one, you begin using it correctly and avoid errors.

Table of Contents

What “Per Se” Really Means

Per se is a Latin phrase that literally translates to “by itself” or “intrinsically.” In English, it is used to emphasize the inherent nature of something, without considering external factors.

For example:

The idea isn’t bad per se, but the execution needs improvement.

Here, “per se” clarifies that the idea itself isn’t flawed; the problem lies elsewhere.

Key points about “per se”:

It’s an adverb or modifier.
Emphasizes intrinsic qualities.
Retains its Latin form in English.

Why “Per Say” Is Incorrect

You might see “per say” written frequently. This happens because the spelling sounds right to many speakers, especially non-native English users. However, “per say” has no meaning in English and is considered a misspelling.

Why the Mistake Happens:

Phonetics: “se” is pronounced like “say.”
Misinterpretation: People assume it should match the sound of the word.
Informal writing: Social media and casual emails often propagate the error.

Correct usage matters, especially in professional or academic settings.

Understanding Correct Usage

Using per se correctly is all about placement and context. It often modifies the noun or phrase it describes.

Examples:

Legal writing:

This action is not illegal per se, but it violates company policy.

Academic context:

The theory is not flawed per se, though the supporting data is weak.

Key Points:

Place per se directly after the noun or phrase being clarified.
It does not need a comma unless it interrupts a sentence.

Grammar Rules and Style Tips

Even though per se is widely recognized, it’s still a foreign phrase. Paying attention to style and grammar ensures clarity.

Rules to follow:

Capitalization: Only capitalize at the beginning of a sentence.
Italics: Optional but recommended in formal writing.
Commas: Use around per se if it’s parenthetical, otherwise no comma.

Rule	Example Correct	Example Incorrect
Italics	This idea is not flawed per se.	This idea is not flawed per se.
Comma use	The method, per se, is not the issue.	The method, per se is not the issue.
Capitalization	Per se, the concept is clear.	per Se, the concept is clear.

Common Contexts Where “Per Se” Appears

Understanding the environments in which per se naturally fits helps avoid misuse.

Academic writing: To clarify subtle points in research.
Legal documents: Common in laws, contracts, and rulings.
Professional communication: Adds nuance to emails or reports.
Journalism and media: Writers use it to specify intrinsic qualities.

Historical and Linguistic Context

Per se survived from Latin into English because it expresses concepts succinctly. Latin phrases were often adopted into English for:

Precision: Legal and academic language needed exact terms.
Brevity: Some Latin phrases convey meaning in fewer words.
Prestige: Latin connoted education and authority.

Other Latin phrases still used today include:

Ipso facto – “by the fact itself”
De facto – “in practice”
Vice versa – “the other way around”

Knowing these helps recognize and correctly use foreign terms.

Sound Traps and Mispronunciations

Per se is pronounced: /pər ˈseɪ/. Mispronunciation often leads to “per say,” which is wrong.

Tips to avoid the trap:

Remember: it’s one syllable, “se,” not “say.”
Think of it as “intrinsically” when reading aloud.
Reinforce correct usage by writing it often in professional contexts.

How to Use “Per Se” Effectively

Per se is versatile if used properly. Here’s how to leverage it:

Use it to Highlight Intrinsic Qualities

The plan is not risky per se, but certain steps require caution.

Use it to Clarify a Point

The tool doesn’t slow your workflow per se, rather the outdated processes do.

Dos and Don’ts:

Do: Use it sparingly to emphasize points.
Don’t: Use it as filler or overcomplicate sentences.

Common Misuses and Examples

Workplace Email Example:

Incorrect:

Your report is great per say, but needs minor changes.

Corrected:

Your report is great per se, but needs minor changes.

Social Media Example:

I love this movie per say, but the soundtrack is better.

This mistake is subtle but can affect perceived credibility.

Mini Case Study:
A team member sent an email saying:

“The strategy is not effective per say.”

The supervisor corrected it to per se, explaining that intrinsic qualities were fine; the execution was the problem. Lesson: small Latin errors can undermine professional tone.

Expert Insights

Linguists and style guides strongly recommend preserving per se in its correct form.

“Using ‘per say’ is a clear spelling mistake. ‘Per se’ should be maintained in formal writing to convey precision,” – The Chicago Manual of Style.

Language experts note that consistent use of Latin phrases improves clarity and demonstrates attention to detail.

Pop Culture References

Per se appears in media, often mispronounced:

Movies: Characters use it in legal or intellectual dialogue.
TV Shows: Writers use it to sound sophisticated.

Even in pop culture, misuse persists, reinforcing the need for awareness.

Alternatives and Synonyms

Sometimes per se can be replaced for simpler clarity. Alternatives include:

“In itself”
“Intrinsically”
“Essentially”
“By nature”

Example:

The idea, in itself, is not wrong. (instead of “per se”)

Tips to Avoid Confusion

Mnemonic Device

Think: “Per SE – by Self, Everything clear.” It reminds you that it means “by itself.”

Proofreading Strategies

Look for foreign phrases in documents.
Double-check spelling: per se, not per say.
Ensure the phrase clarifies, doesn’t clutter.

Quick Editing Checklist

Is per se spelled correctly?
Is it italicized if needed?
Is it placed directly after the noun or phrase it modifies?
Could a simpler English phrase replace it for clarity?

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between per say and per se helps you communicate with clarity and confidence. The correct form, per se, comes from Latin and means “by itself,” and using it properly shows attention to detail, respect for language, and stronger writing skills. When you recognize how easily the two forms can be confused in speech, you start to avoid common mistakes and express your thoughts more precisely. Whether you’re writing formally or casually, choosing the right phrase sets your message apart and ensures readers understand exactly what you intend to say.