If you’ve ever written “per say” and hesitated, you’re definitely not alone. This is one of those tricky phrases that sounds perfectly natural when spoken—but often gets misspelled in writing. The confusion comes from pronunciation, not meaning.
The truth is simple: only one of these forms is correct. In this guide, we’ll break down per se vs per say in a clear, friendly way so you can avoid mistakes and use the phrase with confidence in both writing and conversation.
Quick Answer: Per Se vs Per Say
- Per se is the correct spelling and usage.
- Per say is incorrect—it’s a common misspelling based on how the phrase sounds.
- Use “per se” when you mean “by itself” or “intrinsically.”
What Does “Per Se” Mean?
Per se is a Latin phrase that means:
- By itself
- In itself
- Intrinsically
It’s used to clarify that something is being considered alone, not in relation to other factors.
Examples:
- The movie isn’t bad per se, but it’s too long.
- Money isn’t evil per se—it depends on how it’s used.
Why “Per Say” Is Incorrect
Per say is simply a phonetic spelling of per se. It reflects how the phrase sounds when spoken, but it is not a real word or correct form in English.
Common mistake:
- ❌ I don’t dislike the idea, per say.
- ✅ I don’t dislike the idea, per se.
Why people get confused:
- “Per se” is pronounced like “per say”
- Many people hear it before they ever see it written
- It comes from Latin, not modern English spelling rules
When and How to Use “Per Se”
Use per se when you want to separate the core idea from surrounding context.
Common uses:
- Clarifying a statement
- Softening criticism
- Adding nuance to an opinion
Examples:
- It’s not wrong per se, just unusual.
- The plan isn’t flawed per se, but it needs improvement.
Per Se vs Per Say: Key Differences
| Feature | Per Se | Per Say |
|---|---|---|
| Correctness | ✅ Correct | ❌ Incorrect |
| Origin | Latin | Misspelling |
| Meaning | “By itself” | No meaning |
| Usage | Formal & informal | Should be avoided |
| Acceptance | Widely accepted | Not accepted |
American vs British English Differences
There’s no real difference between American and British English here.
- Per se is correct in both
- Per say is incorrect in both
- Usage and meaning remain consistent globally
Tip:
Because “per se” is a Latin phrase, its spelling stays the same regardless of region.
Why “Per Se” Is Commonly Misused
This confusion happens for a few key reasons:
- It’s more often heard than seen
- English speakers assume phonetic spelling
- Latin phrases aren’t intuitive
Similar confusion happens with phrases like:
- “for all intents and purposes”
- “case in point”
- “by and large”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Writing “per say” instead of “per se”
- ❌ That’s not the issue, per say.
- ✅ That’s not the issue, per se.
2. Overusing the phrase
“Per se” is useful, but using it too often can make writing feel unnatural.
- ❌ Every sentence includes “per se”
- ✅ Use it only when clarification is needed
3. Using it incorrectly in context
- ❌ He is per se a doctor.
- ✅ He is not a doctor per se, but he works in healthcare.
Per Se in Sentences
Here are more examples to help you understand natural usage:
- The problem isn’t serious per se, but it could become one.
- It’s not illegal per se, just discouraged.
- The design isn’t bad per se, but it lacks creativity.
When Should You Use “Per Se”?
Use per se when:
- You want to isolate a concept
- You’re adding nuance to a statement
- You’re clarifying that something isn’t inherently one way or another
Simple rule:
If you mean “in itself”, per se is the right choice.
LSI Keywords and Related Terms
To strengthen understanding and SEO, here are related terms:
- per se meaning
- per se vs per say difference
- Latin phrases in English
- common spelling mistakes
- correct word usage
- grammar tips
- English writing rules
FAQs About Per Se vs Per Say
1. Is “per say” ever correct?
No, “per say” is always incorrect.
2. What does “per se” literally mean?
It means “by itself” or “in itself.”
3. Is “per se” formal?
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
4. Why do people write “per say”?
Because that’s how “per se” sounds when spoken.
5. Can I avoid using “per se”?
Yes—alternatives include “in itself,” “necessarily,” or “intrinsically.”
6. Is “per se” still used today?
Yes, it’s commonly used in both speech and writing.
7. Where does “per se” come from?
It comes from Latin.
Final Summary: Per Se vs Per Say
The difference between per se vs per say is straightforward once you see it clearly. “Per se” is the correct Latin phrase used to mean “in itself,” while “per say” is simply a misspelling based on pronunciation. Even though many people say it out loud, only “per se” belongs in proper writing.
Understanding this small distinction can make a big difference in how polished and accurate your communication sounds. It’s one of those subtle grammar points that instantly improves clarity and credibility.
Actionable Takeaway
Whenever you’re about to write “per say,” pause and switch to “per se.” If you’re unsure, remember: if it means “by itself,” you’re on the right track using per se.
