Per Se vs. Per Say – Which is Correct?
The correct expression is per se, meaning “in itself” or “by itself.” Per say is a common misspelling caused by the two phrases sounding alike. Use per se when discussing something independently of related circumstances, especially in formal writing and speech. Although pronunciation varies slightly, its spelling remains unchanged in standard English.
Per Se or Per Say – Which is Correct?
Per se is the correct expression. It is a Latin phrase meaning “in itself,” “by itself,” or “as such.” Writers use it to distinguish an object, action, or quality from its surrounding context. Per say is incorrect in standard English and is usually a phonetic misspelling because se and say can sound similar in casual speech.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Remember that per se contains se, not the English verb say. You can use the swap test: replace the phrase with “in itself.” If the sentence still makes sense, per se is the correct choice. For example, “The idea is not bad in itself” becomes “The idea is not bad per se.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| per se | Adverbial phrase | In itself; by itself | The proposal is not unreasonable per se. |
| per say | Incorrect spelling | No standard meaning in this expression | Use per se, not per say. |
How to Use Per Se
Per se is an adverbial phrase that modifies a statement by narrowing its meaning. It indicates that something is being considered independently, rather than in relation to its effects, context, or associated features. The phrase is common in academic, legal, business, philosophical, and professional writing, although it also appears in everyday speech.
It often follows the noun or adjective it qualifies. It can also appear at the end of a sentence or between commas when it interrupts the main thought. Because per se is relatively formal, alternatives such as “in itself” or “by itself” may sound more natural in casual writing.
Example 1: The software is not difficult per se, but the instructions are unclear.
Example 2: There is nothing wrong with ambition per se; the problem is how it is pursued.
Example 3: The policy does not prohibit remote work per se, but it requires managers to approve each arrangement.
Etymology of the Word Per Se
Per se comes directly from Latin. The word per means “by” or “through,” while se is a reflexive pronoun meaning “itself” or “himself or herself.” Together, the phrase literally means “by itself.” English adopted it as an expression for referring to something in isolation or according to its essential nature.
Related Concepts
Understanding homophones, loanwords, and adverbial phrases makes it easier to recognize why per se is correct and per say is not.
- Homophones: Homophones are words or phrases that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings. The sound of per se can lead some writers to spell it incorrectly as per say.
- Loanwords: A loanword or borrowed expression comes from another language. English uses many Latin phrases, including per se, vice versa, and ad hoc.
- Adverbial phrases: An adverbial phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or statement. Per se usually qualifies an idea by emphasizing that it is being considered independently.
- Context and qualification: Qualifying language limits or clarifies a claim. Saying “The plan is not flawed per se” means the plan itself is not inherently flawed, even if its implementation may be.
Examples from Media and Literature
The correct phrase per se appears frequently in formal dialogue, criticism, journalism, and nonfiction. The following examples show the kinds of contexts in which it is naturally used:
Like per se and per say, Seam vs. Seem illustrates how sound-alike words invite spelling errors.
- Film and television criticism: A reviewer might write, “The film is not frightening per se, but its atmosphere creates constant unease.”
- News writing: A journalist might explain, “The legislation does not ban the practice per se; it introduces stricter reporting requirements.”
- Literary criticism: A scholar might state, “The novel is not autobiographical per se, although it draws on the author’s experiences.”
- Business reporting: An analyst might write, “The merger is not harmful per se, but it could reduce competition in the market.”
- Academic writing: A researcher might observe, “Technology is not the cause of the problem per se; the issue lies in how it is used.”
Per Se Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| In itself | Considered independently from other factors |
| By itself | Alone or without outside influence |
| As such | In its particular nature or role |
| Intrinsically | By the essential nature of something |
| Essentially | In terms of the basic or inherent qualities involved |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “per say” ever correct?
No. Per say is considered a misspelling when the intended meaning is “in itself.” The correct form is per se.
Question 2: What does “per se” mean?
Per se means “in itself,” “by itself,” or “as such.” It shows that something is being considered independently of related circumstances.
Question 3: Should “per se” be italicized?
Italicizing per se is optional in most modern English writing. Because the phrase is a well-established expression, many style guides allow it to appear in regular type. Consistency within a document is most important.
Conclusion
Per se is the correct spelling, while per say is a common phonetic error. Use per se to mean “in itself” or “by itself,” especially when separating an idea from its broader context. Pro tip: Using established expressions accurately strengthens your credibility and protects your professional reputation.
