Have you ever seen the phrase “per say” in a sentence and wondered if it is correct? You are not alone. Many people use this expression in conversations, emails, and writing but are unsure about its spelling and meaning. I’ve noticed that this small phrase often creates confusion because it sounds natural when spoken. In reality, the correct phrase is per se, and understanding it can make your writing clearer and more professional. In this guide, you’ll learn the true meaning of per se, how to use it correctly, common mistakes, examples, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Quick Answer: What Does Per Say or Per Se Mean?
The correct phrase is per se, not per say.
Per se means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “as such.” It is used when you want to talk about something in its own nature rather than comparing it with other things.
Example:
- The idea is not bad per se, but it needs better planning.
“Per say” is a common spelling mistake because the phrase sounds like those words when spoken.
What Are Per Say or Per Se?
Per se is a Latin phrase that means “by itself” or “in its own right.” English speakers use it to explain that something should be considered separately from other factors.
For example, if someone says:
- “Money is not the problem per se.”
They mean money itself is not the problem. Another issue connected to money may be causing difficulty.
The phrase is often used in formal conversations, academic writing, business discussions, and professional communication. However, it can also appear in everyday speech.
The confusion happens because many people hear “per se” and write it as “per say.” Since “say” is a common English word, the incorrect spelling feels natural, but per say has no meaning in this context.
Per Say or Per Se Comparison Table
| Phrase/Symbol | Main Meaning | Best Use |
| Per se | By itself; in itself | Formal writing and conversations |
| In itself | Considering something alone | Everyday explanations |
| By itself | Alone or separately | Simple communication |
| As such | In that specific role or form | Professional writing |
| Essentially | The basic nature of something | General explanations |
| Literally | Exactly according to meaning | Clarifying facts |
| Actually | Showing reality or truth | Correcting information |
| Specifically | Clearly identifying something | Detailed explanations |
| Basically | Simplifying an idea | Casual conversations |
| Technically | According to rules or facts | Precise discussions |
Top Uses of Per Se and Their Meanings
Per Se: Meaning Something by Itself
The main use of per se is to describe something independently. It separates the thing being discussed from outside influences.
For example:
- The design is not wrong per se, but it does not match the brand image.
Here, the design itself is not considered bad. The issue is related to how it fits a specific purpose.
People often use per se when they want to avoid making a complete judgment. Instead of saying something is good or bad, they explain that the thing itself is not the problem.
Best for:
- Professional writing
- Business discussions
- Academic explanations
- Careful opinions
Per Se in Everyday Conversations
Although per se sounds formal, many people use it in normal conversations. It helps explain ideas more accurately.
Example:
- I don’t dislike the movie per se; I just prefer another style.
The speaker is not saying the movie is bad. They are saying the movie itself is not the reason for their opinion.
Using per se can make your thoughts sound more balanced because it shows that you are separating the main subject from personal preferences.
Best for:
- Personal opinions
- Discussions
- Explanations
- Debates
Per Se in Professional Writing
In workplaces, per se is often used when discussing policies, strategies, or problems.
Example:
- The process is not inefficient per se, but it requires updates.
This type of wording avoids extreme statements and creates a more thoughtful tone.
However, writers should avoid using per se too often. Simple words like “by itself” or “alone” may work better in casual writing.
Best for:
- Reports
- Business emails
- Research papers
- Presentations
Per Se in Legal and Academic Language
The phrase is common in legal and academic fields because these areas often require precise meanings.
A lawyer, researcher, or scholar may use per se to explain that something has a certain quality independently.
Example:
- The action is not illegal per se, but it may violate specific rules.
This means the action is not automatically illegal in every situation.
Because of its Latin origin, per se is sometimes associated with formal language. Still, the meaning remains simple: something considered on its own.
Best for:
- Legal writing
- Academic papers
- Research discussions
- Formal analysis
Per Se vs Per Say: Understanding the Difference
The biggest difference between per se and per say is that only one is correct.
Per se
- Correct spelling
- Latin origin
- Means “by itself”
Per say
- Incorrect spelling
- Not a recognized phrase with this meaning
Many spelling mistakes happen because English speakers write words based on sound. Since “se” and “say” sound similar, the mistake is common.
A simple trick to remember it:
Think of se = itself because per se means something considered on its own.
Examples of Per Se in Sentences
Understanding examples makes it easier to use the phrase correctly.
- The plan is not expensive per se, but it requires a large investment.
- I don’t dislike social media per se; I just think people should use it wisely.
- The color is not unattractive per se, but it does not suit the room.
- Technology is not harmful per se; the way people use it matters.
- The rule is not unfair per se, but it may create difficulties for some people.
These examples show that per se usually appears when someone wants to make a careful distinction.
Common Mistakes When Using Per Se
Many people make small mistakes when writing this phrase. Here are the most common ones:
Writing Per Say Instead of Per Se
This is the most frequent mistake. Always remember that the correct spelling is per se.
Using It When a Simple Word Works Better
Sometimes writers use per se to sound formal, but simpler words may be clearer.
Instead of:
- The idea is not wrong per se.
You can write:
- The idea is not wrong by itself.
Overusing the Phrase
Per se is useful, but using it repeatedly can make writing feel unnatural. Use it when you truly need to separate something from outside factors.
How to Choose the Right Word Instead of Per Se
Before using per se, ask yourself:
- Am I talking about something alone?
- Am I separating the subject from other factors?
- Would “by itself” make the meaning clearer?
If yes, per se may be the right choice.
If your audience prefers simple language, alternatives like “itself,” “alone,” or “by itself” may communicate better.
FAQs About Per Say or Per Se
What is the correct spelling, per say or per se?
The correct spelling is per se. The phrase comes from Latin and means “by itself” or “in itself.” “Per say” is a common spelling mistake caused by the similar pronunciation of the two phrases.
What does per se mean in simple words?
Per se simply means “by itself.” It describes something when you consider it alone, without adding outside factors or opinions.
Is per se a formal word?
Yes, per se is often used in formal writing, business, legal discussions, and academic work. However, it can also appear in everyday conversations when someone wants to explain an idea carefully.
Can I use per se in a sentence?
Yes, you can use per se in a sentence when discussing something independently. Example: “The product is not bad per se, but it needs improvement.”
Why do people write per say?
People often write per say because it sounds similar when spoken. Since “say” is a common English word, it feels like a natural spelling choice, but it is incorrect.
What are some alternatives to per se?
Common alternatives include “by itself,” “in itself,” “alone,” “as such,” and “on its own.” The best choice depends on the sentence and audience.
Is per se used in American English?
Yes, per se is commonly used in American English as well as British English. It is recognized in both forms of English writing.
When should I avoid using per se?
Avoid using per se when a simpler word explains your meaning better. Clear communication is usually more important than using formal expressions.
Final Thoughts
The difference between per say or per se is simple: per se is the correct phrase, while per say is a common mistake. Per se means “by itself” or “in itself” and helps explain ideas with more accuracy. Once you understand its meaning and proper use, you can confidently include it in conversations, writing, and professional communication. Choose words that make your message clear, and use per se only when it truly adds meaning.
Hello! I’m Noah Bennett, and I’m passionate about writing inspirational quotes that motivate people to chase their dreams and overcome life’s challenges. I believe wisdom doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be shared in a single meaningful sentence.
I write about success, determination, leadership, courage, and everyday life. My goal is to help readers discover motivation and confidence through words they can relate to.
Books I Have Written:
- Rise Above Every Challenge
- Words That Inspire Success
Sophia Carter
Ethan Brooks