Have you ever wondered whether to write “per say” or “per se”? Many people search for this because it’s a common point of confusion in English. Misusing this phrase can make your writing look unprofessional, especially in emails, articles, or social media posts. Knowing the correct spelling and usage is important for clear communication.
The phrase per se is often used to mean “by itself” or “intrinsically.” People frequently misspell it as per say, assuming it sounds like “say.” This simple mistake can change the impression of your writing. Whether you are a student, professional, or casual writer, understanding per se will help you write confidently. This guide clears the confusion, explains its origin, compares British and American usage, and shows you real-world examples.
Per Say or Per Se – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is per se, not per say.
Meaning: “By itself,” “intrinsically,” or “in itself.”
Examples:
- The movie wasn’t bad per se, but the plot was confusing.
- It’s not the device per se that’s faulty; it’s the software.
- She’s not rude per se, just very direct.
The Origin of Per Se
The phrase per se comes from Latin, meaning “by itself” or “in itself.” It has been used in English since the 1600s.
The confusion arises because it sounds like “per say” when spoken aloud. English speakers often try to spell it phonetically, creating the incorrect version. Remember: per se is a Latin phrase, so the correct spelling never changes.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English use per se. The spelling per say is never correct in formal writing.
| Variant | Correct? | Region/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| per se | ✅ | UK, US, Commonwealth, global usage |
| per say | ❌ | Common mistake, informal/fake spelling |
The key point: “per se” is universal; avoid phonetic variants like “per say.”
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- United States: Always use per se in professional and informal writing.
- United Kingdom & Commonwealth: Same rule applies—stick to per se.
- Global audience: Per se is universally accepted and understood.
Tip: If your audience is international, never use “per say.”
Common Mistakes with Per Se
Here are typical errors people make:
- ❌ Incorrect: The plan is good per say.
- ✅ Correct: The plan is good per se.
- ❌ Incorrect: That’s not wrong per say.
- ✅ Correct: That’s not wrong per se.
- ❌ Incorrect: He’s not lazy per say.
- ✅ Correct: He’s not lazy per se.
Rule of thumb: If you are tempted to write “say,” think Latin → per se.
Per Se in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- “The idea isn’t bad per se, but it needs more research.”
News articles:
- “The policy isn’t harmful per se, but its implementation is problematic.”
Social media:
- “I don’t dislike the new app per se, I just prefer the old one.”
Formal writing:
- “The argument, per se, lacks sufficient evidence.”
Per Say or Per Se – Google Trends & Usage Data
- Global searches for per se spike when people check grammar or style.
- Per say shows very low search volume but appears often in misspelled queries.
- Top countries searching “per se”: USA, UK, India, Canada, Australia.
Keyword Variations Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correct? | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| per se | ✅ | The movie wasn’t bad per se. |
| per say | ❌ | Incorrect version of per se. |
FAQs About Per Say or Per Se
1. Can I write “per say” instead of “per se”?
No, per se is the correct spelling in all formal and informal contexts.
2. What does “per se” mean?
It means “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.”
3. Is “per se” British or American?
It is used universally in English. Both UK and US writing prefer per se.
4. How do you pronounce “per se”?
It is pronounced /pər seɪ/, which sounds like “per say,” causing confusion.
5. Can I use “per se” in casual writing?
Yes, it works in emails, social media, and informal texts.
6. Why do people write “per say”?
They spell it phonetically, but it is incorrect.
7. Is “per se” italicized in English?
Not necessary, but some style guides italicize foreign words on first use.
Conclusion
The correct spelling is always per se, never per say. It is a Latin phrase meaning “by itself” or “intrinsically” and is widely used in professional, academic, and casual writing. Both British and American English recognize per se, making it a safe choice for international communication. Avoid phonetic misspellings, and remember: if you’re unsure, per se is always correct. Using it properly will enhance clarity, professionalism, and credibility in your writing.
By understanding per se, you can write confidently, whether in emails, social media, or formal documents. Keep this guide handy to avoid mistakes and impress readers with precise language.
