The phrase we hear as per say is commonly misused and even misspelled, but the correct form is per se, a Latin term that means “by itself.” From my own experience teaching students, the confusion often begins with how it sounds in casual speech or when people are typing quickly in email, posting on social media, or writing in forums and posts.
A small mistake like this happens more often than you’d think, and while it seems easy to overlook, it can come across as wrong in formal writing, where clarity, credibility, and professionalism really matters. I always remind learners that the phrase’s origin is a good hint—knowing the spelling and being able to pronounce it right helps you speak, write, and define ideas more accurate and with greater respect for language.
An article like this can reveal the meaning, explain the details, and provide examples in a sentence so readers can carefully take into account how this choice affects making decisions or forming opinions in both business and public contexts. The proper use of per se shows attention to detail, clear communication, and a level of skill that really stands out.
When many finally realize the pronunciation is off, they see why using the correct form isn’t just about grammar—it’s about showing care, building credibility, and demonstrating that you understand how precise writing and speech are connected to trust and respect.
Breaking Down the Confusion: Why People Say “Per Say”
In spoken English, “per se” sounds exactly like “per say.” That’s why so many people misspell it when writing. It’s a classic case of phonetic spelling—writing words the way they sound instead of the way they’re actually spelled.
Consider this everyday situation:
- A student hears a professor say, “The argument isn’t wrong, per se, but it lacks evidence.”
- Later, the student writes in a paper: “The argument isn’t wrong, per say, but it lacks evidence.”
This error happens because our ears hear “say,” not “se.”
It’s similar to other common mistakes:
- “For all intensive purposes” (instead of “for all intents and purposes”)
- “Case and point” (instead of “case in point”)
- “One in the same” (instead of “one and the same”)
The problem is, once you’ve written “per say” in a professional setting, it can make your writing look less polished.
The Origins of “Per Se”
To understand why “per se” is correct, let’s go back to its roots.
The phrase comes from Latin, where per means “through” or “by,” and se means “itself.” Put together, “per se” translates to “by itself” or “in itself.”
This Latin phrase made its way into English centuries ago, especially in academic, legal, and philosophical writing. It was used to describe something’s intrinsic nature—what it is on its own, apart from context.
Historical Examples:
- In philosophy, Aristotle used ideas similar to “per se” when discussing the nature of things that exist independently.
- In law, courts have long used “per se” to describe rules or actions that are automatically illegal without needing further proof (for example, “price-fixing is illegal per se”).
- In academic writing, scholars used “per se” to mean “in itself” when making precise arguments.
Over time, the phrase became part of educated English, and today it appears everywhere—from essays to office memos.
The Meaning of “Per Se” in Modern English
In modern usage, “per se” means “in and of itself” or “essentially.” It helps highlight the inherent quality of something, independent of other factors.
Think of it like putting something under a microscope and looking only at its essence.
Examples in everyday use:
- “The movie wasn’t bad per se, but it was too long.”
- “He’s not a bad employee per se, but he struggles with deadlines.”
- “It’s not illegal per se, but it could raise ethical concerns.”
In each case, “per se” doesn’t stand alone. It modifies the idea—acknowledging that, in isolation, something may not be bad or wrong, but other circumstances matter.
This nuance makes “per se” popular in both casual and formal writing.
How to Use “Per Se” Correctly in Sentences
Getting “per se” right means knowing where and how to place it. Here are some clear rules and examples.
Placement
- Usually appears after the idea it modifies.
- Commonly surrounded by commas when used in the middle of a sentence.
Correct Examples:
- “The app isn’t revolutionary per se, but it makes life easier.”
- “He’s not lazy per se, just unmotivated.”
- “The book isn’t about politics per se, but it has political themes.”
Incorrect Examples:
- “The app isn’t revolutionary, per say, but it makes life easier.”
- “He’s not lazy, per say, just unmotivated.”
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Usage | Correct Form | Incorrect Form |
| Phrase in question | per se | per say |
| Example sentence | “It’s not illegal per se.” | “It’s not illegal per say.” |
| Meaning | “in itself” | ❌ no meaning, misspelling |
Why “Per Say” Is Always Incorrect
Unlike some spelling variants (like “color” vs. “colour”), “per say” is simply wrong. It doesn’t exist as a phrase in English or Latin.
Why the mistake happens:
- Phonetics: People spell words the way they sound.
- Autocorrect: Some text editors mistakenly suggest “say” if you type fast.
- Lack of exposure: Many people have heard the phrase but never seen it written correctly.
Memory Trick:
Think of “se” as short for “self.” If “per se” means “by itself,” then se = self.
Synonyms and Alternatives to “Per Se”
Sometimes, you might want to avoid “per se” altogether—especially if you’re writing for readers who might not understand Latin phrases.
Here are some natural alternatives:
- In itself → “The law isn’t unfair in itself.”
- Essentially → “The idea is essentially correct.”
- As such → “He isn’t a leader as such.”
- Intrinsically → “The problem is intrinsically difficult.”
Quick Reference Table
| Context | Alternative to “Per Se” | Example |
| Academic | intrinsically | “The concept isn’t new intrinsically.” |
| Professional | as such | “The job isn’t stressful as such.” |
| Casual | in itself | “The song isn’t bad in itself.” |
| General | essentially | “The plan is essentially flawed.” |
Related Expressions Often Confused With “Per Se”
Some phrases look or sound similar to “per se” but mean something else. Let’s clear them up.
Per Se vs. Necessarily
- Per se: highlights the inherent quality.
- Necessarily: implies inevitability.
Example:
- “That isn’t a bad idea per se, but it may not work.”
- “That isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it may not work.”
Per Se vs. So to Speak
- Per se: literal, formal.
- So to speak: figurative, playful.
Example:
- “She isn’t a teacher per se, but she helps students.”
- “She’s a teacher of life, so to speak.”
Other Latin Phrases
- Ipso facto → “by the fact itself”
- A priori → “from the earlier” (reasoning before experience)
- De facto → “in practice, even if not official”
Common Misuses and How to Avoid Them
Even when spelled correctly, “per se” is often misused. Here are pitfalls to watch for.
Overuse
Using “per se” in every sentence makes writing sound forced.
Wrong Substitution
Some people use it to mean “for example” or “necessarily.” That’s incorrect.
How to Avoid Mistakes
- Ask: Does “in itself” fit? If yes, “per se” works. If not, don’t use it.
- Keep it sparing. One or two uses per essay or article is plenty.
Practical Tips for Students, Teachers, and Professionals
For Students:
- Use “per se” correctly in essays to show precision.
- Avoid “per say” in academic writing—it will be marked wrong.
For Teachers:
- Highlight the correct phrase in classroom discussions.
- Use side-by-side examples to show the difference.
For Professionals:
- Use “per se” sparingly in reports, emails, or presentations.
- Replace it with plain English (“in itself”) when clarity matters.
Case Study:
A business consultant once wrote to a client: “The strategy isn’t flawed, per say, but it lacks execution.” The client noticed the spelling error and questioned the consultant’s attention to detail. The small slip weakened the consultant’s credibility.
Lesson: Tiny details like this shape how others perceive your professionalism.
Conclusion
In the end, the mix-up between per say and per se comes down to a small spelling difference with a big impact. The Latin origin of the phrase gives us the correct form, and using it the right way shows clarity, professionalism, and respect for language.
Whether in a business email, a public post, or everyday speech, choosing per se instead of per say helps your writing and communication stand out as accurate and proper.
FAQs
Q1: Why is “per say” wrong?
“Per say” is a misspelled version. The correct term is per se, which means “by itself.”
Q2: What does “per se” actually mean?
It’s a Latin phrase that can be used in formal or casual contexts to highlight something true “in itself.”
Q3: Where is “per se” used most often?
You’ll see it in articles, posting on social media, business documents, and even in forums or casual speech.
Q4: How can I remember the right form?
Think of its phrase’s origin—the spelling is tied to Latin, not to how it sounds.
Q5: Does using “per say” affect credibility?
Yes. A small mistake like this can affect opinions about your professionalism, attention to detail, and clarity of communication.
