The phrase “per se or per say” causes confusion for many English learners and even native speakers. People often hear this phrase in conversation but are unsure how to spell it correctly. Some write per say, while others write per se, thinking both are correct.
In reality, only one form is correct in standard English. This confusion happens because the phrase comes from Latin, not modern English. When words come from other languages, spelling and meaning can feel unclear. Understanding per se or per say helps improve writing accuracy and confidence. It also helps avoid common mistakes in essays, emails, and professional writing. In this article, we will explain the correct form, its meaning, usage, examples, and common errors in very simple language. By the end, you will clearly know which form to use and why.
This article is written with clear structure, short sentences, and easy words. Each section focuses on one idea to keep learning simple and stress-free.
What Does “Per Se” Mean?
Per se is the correct form. It is a Latin phrase that means “by itself”, “in itself”, or “as such.”
Even though it comes from Latin, per se is commonly used in English writing and speech.
Examples:
- The idea is not wrong per se, but it needs improvement.
- Money is not bad per se.
- The plan is fine per se, but the timing is poor.
In these sentences, per se means “by itself” or “on its own.”
What Does “Per Say” Mean?
Per say is incorrect. It is not a real English phrase and has no accepted meaning.
People often write per say because it sounds like per se when spoken. This is a spelling mistake based on sound, not meaning.
Examples of incorrect usage:
- The rule is not bad per say.
- His actions are not illegal per say.
In correct writing, per say should never be used.
Why “Per Se” Is Correct and “Per Say” Is Wrong
The reason is simple.
- Per se comes from Latin.
- Per say comes from confusion.
English uses many Latin phrases, such as:
- in fact
- per capita
- ad hoc
These phrases keep their original spelling. Per se follows the same rule.
Per say looks like an English phrase, but it is not real English.
Meaning of “Per Se” in Simple Words
To understand per se, think of it as meaning:
- by itself
- alone
- on its own
- exactly as it is
Examples:
- The job is not hard per se.
- The rule teaches safety per se.
- The idea, per se, is not new.
It helps separate the main thing from related issues.
How “Per Se” Is Used in Sentences
Per se is usually placed:
- after the main idea
- between commas
- before a clarification
Examples:
- This rule, per se, is not unfair.
- The movie is not bad per se.
- The device does not cause harm per se.
It adds clarity and precision to sentences.
Common Situations Where “Per Se” Is Used
Opinions
- The policy is not harmful per se.
- The design is not ugly per se.
Arguments
- The action is legal per se, but it raises concerns.
- The method works per se, but it costs more.
Writing and Speech
- The word is not wrong per se.
- Grammar rules are not strict per se.
In each case, per se focuses on the main subject alone.
Common Mistakes with “Per Se or Per Say”
Many writers make similar mistakes with this phrase.
Using “per say”
Incorrect: This habit is not bad per say.
Correct: This habit is not bad per se.
Thinking both forms are correct
Only per se is correct.
Avoiding the phrase completely
Some people avoid per se because they fear using it wrong. This is unnecessary. With practice, it becomes easy.
Per Se in American vs British English
The good news is that both American and British English use “per se” the same way.
- Spelling: per se
- Meaning: by itself
- Usage: formal and informal writing
Examples:
- American English: The rule is not wrong per se.
- British English: The rule is not wrong per se.
There is no difference in spelling or meaning between regions.
Is “Per Se” Formal or Informal?
Per se works in both formal and informal writing.
Formal:
- The argument is not flawed per se.
- The policy is not illegal per se.
Informal:
- The movie was not boring per se.
- The task is not hard per se.
It is polite, neutral, and widely accepted.
Idiomatic and Natural Usage of “Per Se”
Although per se is not an idiom, it acts like one because it is a fixed phrase.
Natural examples:
- It is not rude per se.
- The question is not strange per se.
- He is not wrong per se.
Writers often use it to soften statements.
Why People Confuse “Per Se” with “Per Say”
The confusion happens because:
- They sound the same when spoken.
- English spelling is not always phonetic.
- Many people learn the phrase by hearing it first.
This is similar to mistakes like:
- should of (instead of should have)
- could of (instead of could have)
These mistakes come from sound, not grammar.
Practical Tips to Remember the Correct Form
Here are easy tips to remember per se:
- Remember it is Latin
- Latin phrases often keep old spellings.
- Think of “by itself”
- If that meaning fits, use per se.
- Never write “per say”
- It is always wrong.
- Practice short sentences
- The rule is not bad per se.
- See it as one unit
- Do not change its spelling.
These tips make it easy to remember the correct form.
Sentence Examples for Practice
Correct examples:
- The idea is not dangerous per se.
- The rule is not unfair per se.
- The design is simple per se.
- His tone is not rude per se.
- The policy is not harmful per se.
Incorrect examples:
- The idea is not dangerous per say.
- The rule is not unfair per say.
Why Using the Correct Form Matters
Using per se correctly improves writing in many ways:
- It shows language awareness.
- It avoids spelling mistakes.
- It improves clarity.
- It builds confidence.
- It helps writing sound natural.
Small errors like per say can distract readers and reduce credibility.
Reflection on Grammar Rules and Writing Techniques
This topic shows the importance of:
- Correct spelling
- Understanding borrowed words
- Careful word choice
- Clear sentence structure
In this article:
- Verbs match their subjects.
- Sentences are complete and clear.
- Commas are used correctly.
- Simple words improve readability.
- Examples reinforce understanding.
Practicing topics like per se or per say trains writers to notice detail. This leads to stronger writing and better communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct form is per se, not per say. Per se is a Latin phrase that means “by itself” or “in itself.” It is widely used in both American and British English and works in formal and informal writing. Per say is a spelling mistake based on sound and should never be used. Understanding this difference helps improve spelling, clarity, and confidence in writing. By using per se correctly, writers show strong language skills and attention to detail.
FAQs
1. Is “per se” correct English?
Yes, it is a correct and accepted phrase.
2. Is “per say” ever correct?
No, it is always incorrect.
3. What does “per se” mean?
It means “by itself” or “in itself.”
4. Is “per se” Latin?
Yes, it comes from Latin.
5. Can I use “per se” in casual writing?
Yes, it works in casual and formal writing.
6. Do American and British English use it differently?
No, both use it the same way.
7. Should “per se” be italicized?
It does not need italics in modern writing.
8. Where should I place “per se” in a sentence?
Usually after the main idea or between commas.
9. Why do people write “per say”?
Because it sounds like “per se” when spoken.
10. How can I avoid this mistake?
Remember that only per se is correct and means “by itself.”
