Per Se or Per Say? Which Is Correct and How to Use It Properly

When it comes to language, understanding the subtle difference between per se and per say is crucial, especially in formal writing or conversation, where clarity, grammar, and expression define professional communication. The phrase originates from Latin, meaning “by itself,” and applying it correctly ensures your writing and speech remain precise, confident, and free from common mistakes, misinterpretation, or confusion.

Using per se properly requires attention to context, semantic accuracy, and textual clarity. Whether in emails, essays, or professional content, the phrase highlights a specific quality or attribute, improving both writing clarity and speaking proficiency. By understanding nuance, phraseology, and semantic precision, you ensure your expression communicates exactly what you intend, helping avoid frequent errors and misuse in everyday or academic language.

In practical terms, per se strengthens formal writing, journalistic style, and even casual conversation, enhancing linguistic competence and semantic understanding. Analysing textual examples, exploring literary usage, or giving instructional explanations demonstrates how correct application prevents misunderstanding and reinforces communication skills, clarity of expression, and confidence in both writing and speech.

What “Per Se” Means

At its core, “per se” means “by itself” or “in itself”. It’s used to emphasize the intrinsic nature of something, without relying on other factors.

For example:

• The book isn’t exciting per se, but the ideas are groundbreaking.
• It’s not illegal per se, but it could lead to trouble.

Notice how it highlights the essence of the subject rather than making a broad statement.

Plain English Explanation

Think of “per se” as saying, “considered on its own.” If you’re evaluating something independently from its surroundings, that’s exactly when you’d use it.

• She isn’t rude per se; she’s just blunt.
• The plan isn’t flawed per se, but it needs more detail.

The key is that “per se” qualifies a point, often softening a claim or providing nuance.

Origins of “Per Se”

“Per se” comes from Latin, literally translating to “by itself” or “in itself.” Latin phrases often sneak into English, especially in law, philosophy, and academia.

• Historical usage: Scholars in the 16th century began adopting Latin phrases to convey precise meanings that English didn’t capture well.
• Legal language: “Per se” became common in legal texts to describe acts that are inherently illegal or valid without needing further proof.

For example, in antitrust law, a “per se violation” refers to an act that is illegal automatically, such as price-fixing, without further investigation.

Why “Per Say” Is Wrong

You might see people write or say “per say”, but it’s incorrect. The error arises from phonetic misunderstanding.

• People hear “per se” and assume it’s spelled like it sounds: “say.”
• English speakers unfamiliar with Latin often translate phonetically.

Why the Mistake Persists

Even educated speakers sometimes use “per say” because:

• It sounds logical in English.
• It’s reinforced in casual speech and social media.
• The meaning of “per se” isn’t widely taught outside formal education.

Bottom line: “Per say” is always wrong in formal writing. Using it can make your work look careless or unprofessional.

Correct Usage of “Per Se”

Using “per se” correctly isn’t complicated if you follow a few rules.

Placement in Sentences

• After the subject: The policy, per se, isn’t harmful.
• After the verb: This behavior doesn’t, per se, indicate dishonesty.

Quick Tips

Rule	Example	Notes
Emphasize the essence	The idea isn’t bad per se.	Focus on the thing itself
Add nuance	It’s not wrong per se, but it’s risky.	Softens judgment
Avoid redundancy	Per se, by itself, is unnecessary.	Don’t explain Latin in English

Remember, “per se” is not a filler word. It should add meaning, not clutter.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Even after knowing the rules, writers trip up on these:

• Overuse: Sprinkling “per se” in every sentence dilutes its impact.
• Confusion with “necessarily” or “essentially”:
  • Wrong: It isn’t illegal per se, necessarily.
  • Better: It isn’t illegal per se, but it might violate other rules.
• Misplaced commas: Avoid splitting sentences incorrectly.

Pro tip: Read sentences aloud. If “per se” feels awkward or unnecessary, remove it.

Alternatives and Synonyms

Sometimes, using simpler language is better than Latin phrases.

Alternatives for “Per Se”

• In itself
• By itself
• Intrinsically
• Essentially
• Fundamentally

Example Sentences

• The tool isn’t harmful in itself, but misuse can cause injury.
• The concept isn’t wrong intrinsically, but it needs refinement.

Why use alternatives? They make your writing more accessible, especially for audiences unfamiliar with Latin.

Comparative Phrases: “Per Se” vs. Others

It’s easy to confuse “per se” with other nuanced phrases. Here’s a quick guide:

Phrase	Meaning	Comparison to “Per Se”	Example
Necessarily	Implies inevitability	“Per se” doesn’t imply certainty	It isn’t dangerous per se; it isn’t necessarily harmless either.
So to speak	Figurative, casual	Less formal, more conversational	He’s a rebel, so to speak.
In essence	Captures core idea	Close to “per se,” but broader	In essence, the project is successful.

Understanding these distinctions makes your writing precise and credible.

Special Contexts for “Per Se”

Legal Usage

In law, “per se” is extremely common. Some examples:

• Per se violations: Certain acts (like price-fixing) are illegal without further proof.
• Contracts: A clause might be valid per se, even if surrounding terms are questionable.

Legal writing relies on precision, making misuse unacceptable.

Media and Pop Culture

“Per se” also appears in journalism, blogs, and entertainment:

• The movie isn’t bad per se, but it’s predictable.
• It’s not a crime per se to skip work, but it can have consequences.

Writers use it to add nuance and avoid blanket statements.

Why Accuracy Matters

Using “per se” correctly isn’t just pedantry. It reflects your credibility and understanding of language.

• Professional writing: Employers and clients notice precision.
• Academic writing: Latin phrases like “per se” carry historical and scholarly weight.
• Social media and blogs: Proper usage avoids looking careless.

Quote:

“Precision in language is the foundation of trust in communication.” – Linguistics Today

Even subtle misuse can change the perceived intelligence or authority of your writing.

Quick Grammar and Style Guide

Here’s a handy checklist for using “per se”:

• ✅ Use only when you want to emphasize the intrinsic nature of something.
• ✅ Place after the subject or verb, separated by commas when necessary.
• ✅ Avoid using it redundantly with English explanations.
• ✅ Do not replace it with “per say.”

Examples for Reference

Correct Usage	Incorrect Usage
The plan isn’t flawed per se, but it needs detail.	The plan isn’t flawed per say.
It isn’t illegal per se.	It isn’t illegal per say.
She isn’t rude per se; she’s blunt.	She isn’t rude per say; she’s blunt.

Real-Life Examples

Literature

• “The method, per se, is not new, but its application is innovative.” – Academic journal
• “The character isn’t evil per se; circumstances forced her actions.” – Novel review

Journalism

• “The proposal isn’t harmful per se, but it raises ethical concerns.” – News article
• “The company’s actions aren’t illegal per se, though public opinion disagrees.” – Business report

Social Media

• “Skipping the meeting isn’t bad per se, but don’t make it a habit.” – Twitter
• “The feature isn’t useless per se; it just needs context.” – Blog comment

Conclusion

Mastering Per Se or Per Say? Which Is Correct and How to Use It Properly ensures your writing and speech remain precise, professional, and clear. Using per se correctly avoids common mistakes, misinterpretation, and confusion, while demonstrating linguistic competence and semantic understanding. Whether in formal writing, journalistic style, or casual conversation, attention to context, phrasing, and semantic precision makes your expression confident and effective. Remember, the phrase per se highlights a specific quality “by itself,” so use it to strengthen clarity and polish your communication skills.

FAQs

Q1: What does “per se” mean?

Per se is a Latin phrase meaning “by itself” and is used to emphasize the intrinsic nature of something without external factors.

Q2: Is “per say” correct?

No, “per say” is a common mistake. The correct form is per se.

Q3: When should I use “per se”?

Use per se in formal writing, academic contexts, professional content, or even conversation to highlight a specific attribute or quality.

Q4: Can I use “per se” in casual writing?

Yes, it can appear in casual writing or conversation, but ensure it’s clear and fits the context to avoid misunderstanding.

Q5: How can I avoid confusing “per se” with “per say”?

Remember that per se is the correct Latin phrase. Practising its usage in sentences and paying attention to context will prevent errors.