Per Se or Per Say: Correct Phrase Explained with Examples

I still remember the first time I typed an email and paused, unsure whether to write per se or per say. I had read it in a book, heard it in a conversation, but when it came to using it myself, I hesitated.

If you are here, I know exactly why — this tiny Latin phrase often confuses writers and speakers alike.

Many people search for per se or per say because they sound identical, yet only one spelling is correct.

In this article, I will explain the meaning, grammar, pronunciation, common mistakes, examples, and synonyms of this phrase.

By the end, you will know when and how to use per se correctly, avoid per say, and confidently include it in your writing and speech.

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Quick Answer

• Per se ✅ → Correct
• Per say ❌ → Incorrect

Explanation:
Per se is a Latin phrase meaning “by itself” or “intrinsically.”
Per say is a mishearing or misspelling and should never be used in formal writing or speech.

Examples:

• The argument isn’t wrong per se, but it lacks supporting evidence. ✅
• ❌ His argument isn’t valid per say.

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The Origin of Per Se or Per Say

Per se comes directly from Latin:

• per = by / through
• se = itself / itself alone

The phrase entered English centuries ago and is used to indicate that something is considered on its own, intrinsically, or by its very nature.

Why per say exists:

• People often hear “per se” pronounced as /pər ˈseɪ/ (“per-say”) and incorrectly write it as per say.
• There is no Latin basis for “per say,” making it always incorrect.

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British English vs American English Spelling

Both British and American English use per se.

Feature	British English	American English
Correct form	per se	per se
Incorrect form	per say	per say
Usage	Academic, professional, casual	Academic, professional, casual

✅ There is no spelling difference — only the correct Latin phrase is valid.

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Which Form Should You Use?

Always use per se, regardless of audience:

• US audience: per se
• UK/Commonwealth: per se
• Global readers: per se

Using per say reduces credibility and should be avoided in all formal and professional contexts.

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Common Mistakes with Per Se or Per Say

• ❌ Writing per say in essays, emails, or articles
• ❌ Using it to mean “literally” or “exactly” instead of “by itself”
• ❌ Confusing grammar placement

Correct usage examples:

• The law isn’t unfair per se, but its enforcement is inconsistent. ✅
• Exercise, per se, doesn’t guarantee weight loss; diet matters too. ✅

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Per Se Grammar and Usage Rules

• Part of speech: Phrase / Adverbial
• Function: To qualify or limit a statement
• Placement: Usually after a clause, set off by commas

Examples:

• This isn’t dangerous, per se, but it could cause stress.
• His actions aren’t illegal, per se, yet they are ethically questionable.

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Per Se or Per Say in Everyday Examples

Emails

• Your suggestion isn’t wrong per se, but it may not suit our goals.

Academic Writing

• Freedom, per se, is a fundamental human right.

News Articles

• The plan isn’t risky per se, but its implementation requires caution.

Social Media

• Exercise isn’t bad per se, but moderation is key.

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Not Per Se – When the Phrase is Negated

Sometimes “not per se” is used to clarify that something isn’t inherently a particular way:

• The film isn’t boring not per se, but the pacing feels slow.
• I don’t dislike chocolate not per se, but I prefer fruit.

Tip: Always follow “not per se” with a clarification for clarity.

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Synonyms of Per Se

• By itself
• In itself
• Intrinsically
• As such
• Fundamentally

Examples:

• The tool isn’t harmful in itself, but misuse can be dangerous.
• Success isn’t guaranteed intrinsically; effort is essential.

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Per Se Pronunciation

Word	Pronunciation	Note
Per se	/pər ˈseɪ/	Sounds like “per-say,” but always spelled per se
Per say	❌ Incorrect	Do not use in writing

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Comparison Table: Per Se vs Per Say

Feature	Per Se	Per Say
Meaning	By itself / intrinsically	Incorrect
Origin	Latin	Mishearing of pronunciation
Correct in English	✅ Yes	❌ No
Common mistakes	❌ Using per say	❌ Using per say

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Google Trends & Usage Data

Search interest shows that people often type per say when unsure about the correct spelling. Most searches originate from:

• ESL learners
• Students
• Writers and content creators
• Professionals writing emails or articles

Most common queries:

• Per se meaning
• Per se or per say meaning
• Per se or per say grammar
• Per se or per say examples
• Per say in a sentence
• Per say synonym
• Not per se
• Per se or per say Latin

This indicates that users want clarity, examples, and confidence in using the phrase correctly.

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FAQs

1. What does per se mean?
   • By itself, intrinsically, or as such.
2. Is per say correct?
   • No, it is a common misspelling; only per se is correct.
3. How do you pronounce per se?
   • /pər ˈseɪ/ (“per-say”), always spelled per se.
4. Can I use per se in formal writing?
   • Yes, widely accepted in academic, professional, and casual writing.
5. What are alternatives to per se?
   • In itself, by itself, intrinsically, as such, fundamentally.
6. How do I use “not per se” in a sentence?
   • The product isn’t harmful not per se, but improper use can be dangerous.
7. Is there a difference between British and American English?
   • No, spelling and usage are identical.

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Conclusion

The difference is simple: per se is correct, per say is incorrect. The phrase comes from Latin and is used to indicate that something is considered by itself or intrinsically.

Misusing it as per say can make your writing appear careless or unprofessional.

Using per se correctly demonstrates precision and confidence, whether in essays, emails, professional reports, or casual conversation.

Always remember: per se qualifies something on its own, without reference to other factors, while per say has no place in English.

Final verdict: Always use per se. Avoid per say entirely. With this knowledge, your writing will be clearer, smarter, and fully grammatically correct.

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