Have you ever wondered whether to write โper sayโ or โper seโ? Many people search for this because itโs 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 โby itselfโ or โintrinsically.โ People frequently misspell it as per say, assuming it sounds like โsay.โ 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 โ Quick Answer
The correct spelling is per se, not per say.
Meaning: โBy itself,โ โintrinsically,โ or โin itself.โ
Examples:
- The movie wasnโt bad per se, but the plot was confusing.
- Itโs not the device per se thatโs faulty; itโs the software.
- Sheโs not rude per se, just very direct.
The Origin of Per Se
The phrase per se comes from Latin, meaning โby itselfโ or โin itself.โ It has been used in English since the 1600s.
The confusion arises because it sounds like โper sayโ 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 | โ | UK, US, Commonwealth, global usage |
| per say | โ | Common mistake, informal/fake spelling |
The key point: โper seโ is universal; avoid phonetic variants like โper say.โ
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- United States: Always use per se in professional and informal writing.
- United Kingdom & Commonwealth: Same rule appliesโstick to per se.
- Global audience: Per se is universally accepted and understood.
Tip: If your audience is international, never use โper say.โ
Common Mistakes with Per Se
Here are typical errors people make:
- โ Incorrect: The plan is good per say.
- โ Correct: The plan is good per se.
- โ Incorrect: Thatโs not wrong per say.
- โ Correct: Thatโs not wrong per se.
- โ Incorrect: Heโs not lazy per say.
- โ Correct: Heโs not lazy per se.
Rule of thumb: If you are tempted to write โsay,โ think Latin โ per se.
Per Se in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- โThe idea isnโt bad per se, but it needs more research.โ
News articles:
- โThe policy isnโt harmful per se, but its implementation is problematic.โ
Social media:
- โI donโt dislike the new app per se, I just prefer the old one.โ
Formal writing:
- โThe argument, per se, lacks sufficient evidence.โ
Per Say or Per Se โ 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 โper seโ: USA, UK, India, Canada, Australia.
Keyword Variations Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correct? | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| per se | โ | The movie wasnโt bad per se. |
| per say | โ | Incorrect version of per se. |
FAQs About Per Say or Per Se
1. Can I write โper sayโ instead of โper seโ?
No, per se is the correct spelling in all formal and informal contexts.
2. What does โper seโ mean?
It means โby itself,โ โin itself,โ or โintrinsically.โ
3. Is โper seโ British or American?
It is used universally in English. Both UK and US writing prefer per se.
4. How do you pronounce โper seโ?
It is pronounced /pษr seษช/, which sounds like โper say,โ causing confusion.
5. Can I use โper seโ in casual writing?
Yes, it works in emails, social media, and informal texts.
6. Why do people write โper sayโ?
They spell it phonetically, but it is incorrect.
7. Is โper seโ 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 โby itselfโ or โintrinsicallyโ 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 youโre 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.
