Per se vs per say is a common English spelling confusion that can affect students, bloggers, professionals, and everyday writers. Both expressions may sound similar when spoken, but only one is the standard spelling of the Latin phrase. If you have ever wondered whether to write “per se” or “per say” in an email, school assignment, or blog post, this guide will help you choose the correct form.
The correct expression is per se. It means “in itself,” “by itself,” or “as such.” Writers use it when they want to discuss something on its own without including other factors. For example, “The idea is not bad per se, but it needs improvement.” Here, the speaker means that the idea itself is not necessarily bad, although it may have some weaknesses.
The phrase “per say” is generally a misspelling when someone intends to use per se. This mistake often happens because the two forms can sound alike in conversation.
In this article, you will learn the meaning of per se, the difference between per se vs per say, common grammar mistakes, practical examples, and easy ways to remember the correct spelling. Fliers vs Flyers | Thumb In vs Thumb Out | Awhile vs A While
Quick Answer: Per Se vs Per Say
Per se is the correct spelling of the Latin expression meaning “in itself,” “by itself,” or “as such.” Per say is generally incorrect when used as an alternative spelling of this expression. For example, “The job is not difficult per se, but it requires patience.”
Understanding the Basics of Per Se vs Per Say
The difference between per se vs per say is mainly a matter of spelling and standard usage. Per se is an established expression used in English, while per say is not its accepted alternative spelling.
Per se comes from Latin and is used to describe something independently. It helps a writer explain that a particular thing is not necessarily the problem, even if other circumstances create difficulties.
For example:
“The weather is not bad per se, but the strong wind makes traveling difficult.”
This sentence explains that the weather itself is not necessarily bad. The strong wind creates the main difficulty.
Per Se vs Per Say Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per se | Latin expression | In itself or as such | The plan is not unreasonable per se. | Correct |
| Per say | Common misspelling | Not a standard spelling of the intended expression | The plan is not unreasonable per say. | Incorrect |
| In itself | English phrase | Considered independently | The plan is not unreasonable in itself. | Correct |
| By itself | English phrase | Alone or independently | The machine can operate by itself. | Correct, depending on meaning |
| As such | English expression | In that sense or in the stated role | It is not a problem as such. | Correct, depending on context |
The easiest way to remember the difference between per se vs per say is to connect per se with its meaning: “in itself.” Whenever that meaning fits your sentence, per se is the form to use.
Correct Meaning and Uses of Per Se vs Per Say
1. What Does Per Se Mean?
Per se means “in itself,” “by itself,” or “as such.” It allows writers to separate one thing from the circumstances surrounding it.
Consider this example:
“The restaurant is not expensive per se, but the extra charges increase the final bill.”
Sentence breakdown:
- “The restaurant is not expensive” introduces the main opinion.
- “Per se” limits that opinion to the restaurant’s prices themselves.
- “But the extra charges increase the final bill” explains the additional problem.
The phrase makes the statement more precise. It shows that the basic price may be reasonable, even though the total cost is higher than expected.
2. Per Se vs Per Say When Expressing an Opinion
Per se is useful when you want to explain that something is not automatically good, bad, useful, harmful, easy, or difficult.
Examples:
- “Social media is not harmful per se.”
- “Competition is not bad per se.”
- “Working from home is not a problem per se.”
- “The movie is not boring per se, but it moves slowly.”
- “The suggestion is not unreasonable per se.”
In these sentences, the writer is making a careful distinction. The thing itself may not be the problem, but other factors can affect the situation.
For example, “Competition is not bad per se, but unfair competition can hurt small businesses.”
The sentence does not claim that every type of competition is beneficial. It explains that competition itself is not necessarily bad, while unfair practices may cause harm.
3. Per Se vs Per Say in Professional Writing
Professional writing often requires balanced and precise statements. Per se can help you explain a concern without making an overly broad judgment.
Examples:
- “The proposal is not unsuitable per se, but the budget needs revision.”
- “The software is not unreliable per se; the problem may be the network.”
- “The deadline is not unreasonable per se, but the team needs additional time.”
- “The policy is not restrictive per se, although some employees may find it inconvenient.”
These examples demonstrate how the correct expression helps separate the main issue from other circumstances.
However, do not use per se simply to make your writing sound formal. If “in itself” communicates the same idea more clearly, use that simpler phrase.
4. Per Se vs Per Say in Everyday Conversation
Although per se may sound formal, it is also used in everyday conversations.
Examples:
- “I do not dislike him per se; we just have different interests.”
- “I am not tired per se, but I need a short break.”
- “The trip was not expensive per se, but we spent a lot on food.”
- “I am not against the idea per se.”
- “The food was not bad per se, but it needed more seasoning.”
Imagine that a friend thinks you dislike a particular restaurant. You might say, “I do not dislike the restaurant per se. I just do not like its menu.”
This means the restaurant itself is not the problem. Your concern is the menu.
5. Per Se vs Per Say in Academic Writing
Students and researchers can use per se when discussing ideas, theories, research, and arguments. It helps distinguish a concept from its possible effects.
Examples:
- “The theory is not incorrect per se, but the evidence is limited.”
- “Technology is not the problem per se; its misuse can create difficulties.”
- “The experiment was not unsuccessful per se because it produced useful findings.”
- “The argument is not illogical per se, although it relies on an unsupported assumption.”
Use per se only when it adds meaning. Clear academic writing is more important than using formal expressions unnecessarily.
Why Is Per Say Incorrect in Per Se vs Per Say?
Per say is generally incorrect when a writer intends to use the Latin expression per se. The two forms may sound similar, but they are not interchangeable spellings.
The word “say” is an ordinary English word, often used as a verb. The word “se” belongs to the established Latin expression. Changing the final word from se to say changes the spelling into a form that does not serve as the standard expression.
Incorrect: “The product is not defective per say.”
Correct: “The product is not defective per se.”
The correct sentence means that the product is not inherently defective, although other circumstances may affect its performance.
Can Per Say Ever Be Correct?
The words “per” and “say” could appear next to each other in a special sentence where they serve separate grammatical purposes. However, that would not make per say a standard alternative spelling of the Latin expression.
For ordinary writing, when you mean “in itself,” use per se.
Seeing per say in a social media post, comment, or informal message does not make it correct in this context.
Grammar Rules for Per Se vs Per Say
Understanding the basic grammar rules will help you avoid this spelling mistake.
Rule 1: Always Use the Standard Spelling
The established spelling of the Latin expression is per se. Do not change it to per say because of pronunciation.
Correct: “The decision was not wrong per se.”
Incorrect: “The decision was not wrong per say.”
Rule 2: Use Per Se to Qualify a Statement
Per se often limits or qualifies a statement by showing that something is being considered independently.
Example:
“The task is not difficult per se, but it takes a long time.”
The task may not be difficult in nature, but completing it still requires time.
Rule 3: Do Not Rely Only on Pronunciation
English contains many expressions that sound similar but have different spellings. Writers should learn the standard written form instead of guessing from sound.
In the case of per se vs per say, the correct written expression remains per se.
Rule 4: Understand the Latin Meaning
Per se comes from Latin and is commonly understood as “in itself” or “by itself.” Learning this meaning makes the spelling easier to remember.
Standard dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster, list per se as an established expression. The dictionary definition supports its use in English, while per say is not a standard alternative spelling for this meaning.
Test Tip for Per Se vs Per Say
Here is a simple trick to check whether you should use per se.
Replace the expression with “in itself.”
If the sentence still communicates the intended meaning, per se is likely the correct choice.
Example:
“The idea is not dangerous per ___, but it could be misused.”
Replace the blank with “in itself”:
“The idea is not dangerous in itself, but it could be misused.”
The sentence makes sense, so the correct expression is per se.
Remember these points:
- Per se means “in itself.”
- Per say is generally a misspelling when used with this meaning.
- Checking the meaning is more reliable than guessing from pronunciation.
Case Study: Per Se vs Per Say in a Workplace Email
Imagine that a marketing team is reviewing a new advertising campaign. One employee thinks the campaign is too expensive, while another believes that the real issue is the limited budget.
The team leader writes an email to explain the situation.
Incorrect Email
Subject: Advertising Campaign Review
Hello Team,
The campaign is not too expensive per say, but we need to review the expected return before approving the budget.
Thank you.
Correct Email
Subject: Advertising Campaign Review
Hello Team,
The campaign is not too expensive per se, but we need to review the expected return before approving the budget.
Thank you.
Why Is the Correct Email Better?
The corrected email uses the standard expression per se. It also communicates a balanced opinion.
The team leader is not claiming that the campaign is definitely affordable. Instead, the leader explains that the cost itself may not be unreasonable. The expected return and available budget also matter.
This example shows how correct spelling improves professional communication without changing the intended message.
Common Mistakes With Per Se vs Per Say
People make the per se vs per say mistake for several reasons. Most are easy to understand and prevent.
1. Fast Typing
When people type quickly, they may choose the wrong spelling without noticing. This often happens when an expression is familiar in speech but less familiar in writing.
Solution: Proofread important emails, assignments, and published articles before sending them.
2. Autocorrect and Predictive Text
Autocorrect can suggest an unintended word or fail to recognize a phrase. Accepting a suggestion without checking it may introduce an error.
Solution: Review the entire phrase instead of automatically accepting every suggestion.
3. Lack of Knowledge
A writer who has never learned the meaning of per se may assume that per say is correct because it sounds familiar.
Solution: Remember that per se means “in itself.” Connecting the phrase to its meaning helps you remember the correct spelling.
4. Copying Other People’s Mistakes
Incorrect expressions can spread through social media, online comments, and informal writing. Repeated exposure can make an error look acceptable.
Solution: Check unfamiliar phrases against a reliable dictionary or grammar reference.
Similar Grammar Confusions
| Incorrect or Confusing Form | Correct Form | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Per say | Per se | The established expression means “in itself.” |
| Your welcome | You’re welcome | You’re means “you are.” |
| It’s book | Its book | Its shows possession; it’s means “it is” or “it has.” |
| Their going home | They’re going home | They’re means “they are.” |
| Could of | Could have | Could have is the standard grammatical form. |
| Alot | A lot | A lot is written as two words. |
| Definately | Definitely | Definitely is the correct spelling. |
| Supposably, when supposedly is intended | Supposedly | Supposedly means according to what is claimed or believed. |
These examples share one important lesson: learn the meaning and standard spelling of an expression rather than relying on how it sounds.
Per Se vs Per Say in Different Contexts
1. Everyday Conversation
Per se can help you express a careful opinion without making an absolute statement.
Examples:
- “I am not angry per se; I am just disappointed.”
- “The food was not bad per se, but it needed more seasoning.”
- “I do not dislike studying per se; I just find this subject difficult.”
You do not need to use per se in every conversation. Phrases such as “in itself” may sound more natural in some situations.
2. Professional Writing
Professional writing benefits from correct spelling and precise meaning. Per se can help distinguish a problem itself from the circumstances surrounding it.
Examples:
- “The proposal is not unsuitable per se, but the costs require further review.”
- “The software is not slow per se; the issue may be the server.”
- “The policy is not unfair per se, although its effects should be examined.”
Use the phrase only when it improves the sentence.
3. Creative Writing
Creative writers may use per se in dialogue, narration, and character descriptions. It can show that a character is making a distinction or qualifying an opinion.
Examples:
- “He was not a bad person per se, but he often made selfish choices.”
- “The town was not frightening per se; it was the silence that unsettled her.”
- “She did not dislike the journey per se, but she missed being at home.”
The spelling remains per se, even when the tone is informal or creative.
4. Social Media and Texting
People often write quickly on social media, which increases the chance of spelling mistakes. Per say may appear in posts and comments, but that does not make it a standard spelling of the expression.
Examples:
Correct: “I am not against online learning per se.”
Incorrect: “I am not against online learning per say.”
Simpler alternative: “I am not against online learning itself.”
For casual messages, simpler wording may be easier to understand. For blogs, educational content, and professional accounts, use the correct expression.
Why Per Se vs Per Say Matters
Choosing per se instead of per say may seem like a small detail, but correct usage helps readers understand your message without unnecessary confusion.
1. Clarity in Communication
Correct spelling allows readers to focus on your point instead of wondering whether an unfamiliar phrase is a mistake.
For example, “The method is not ineffective per se” communicates a specific distinction.
2. Professionalism
Spelling mistakes in reports, business emails, resumes, and published articles can make writing appear less carefully edited. Correct usage shows attention to detail.
3. Accuracy in Digital Communication
Online readers often scan content quickly. Using the standard expression helps keep your writing clear and consistent.
4. Stronger Writing Habits
Learning per se vs per say encourages you to check the meaning of expressions rather than relying on pronunciation alone.
A useful reminder is: “Clear words make clear messages.”
The goal is not to make every sentence complicated. It is to communicate your meaning accurately and naturally.
Special Exception: Is Per Se Always Formal?
Per se is often associated with formal or analytical writing, but it is not limited to academic papers or legal documents. It can also appear naturally in everyday conversation.
For example:
“I do not dislike coffee per se; I just prefer tea.”
This sentence is grammatically correct, even in an informal conversation.
However, per se may sound unnecessarily formal in a simple sentence. You could write:
“I do not dislike coffee itself; I just prefer tea.”
Both versions communicate a similar idea.
Per Se in Legal and Technical Writing
Per se also appears in legal and technical contexts. Its precise meaning and effect can depend on the surrounding discussion.
For example, a legal writer may distinguish between conduct that is prohibited in itself and conduct that becomes problematic under particular circumstances.
Do not assume that per se has the same legal effect in every jurisdiction or technical setting. Specialized writing requires attention to context.
The spelling remains per se. The expression does not become per say simply because it appears in a legal, academic, or technical document.
Quick Recap Checklist: Per Se vs Per Say
Use this checklist before publishing an article, sending an email, or submitting an assignment.
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Do you mean “in itself”? | Per se |
| Do you mean “by itself”? | Per se, if it fits the sentence |
| Do you mean “as such”? | Per se, if it fits the sentence |
| Are you writing the established Latin expression? | Per se |
| Did you write per say because it sounds similar? | Change it to per se if you mean “in itself.” |
Practice Examples: Per Se vs Per Say
Example 1: The plan is not expensive per ___, but the extra fees make it costly.
Answer: per se
Correct sentence: The plan is not expensive per se, but the extra fees make it costly.
Example 2: I do not dislike the subject per ___; I just need more time to understand it.
Answer: per se
Correct sentence: I do not dislike the subject per se; I just need more time to understand it.
Example 3: The rule is not unfair per ___, but its application should be reviewed.
Answer: per se
Correct sentence: The rule is not unfair per se, but its application should be reviewed.
All three examples use per se because the expression means “in itself” or “as such.”
FAQs
1. Is it per se or per say?
Per se is the correct expression when you mean “in itself,” “by itself,” or “as such.” Per say is generally a misspelling of this phrase.
2. What does per se mean in simple English?
Per se means “in itself” or “by itself.” It helps explain that something is being considered independently of other factors.
Example: “The idea is not bad per se.” This means the idea itself is not necessarily bad.
3. Why do people write per say instead of per se?
People often write per say because the two forms can sound similar in conversation. Fast typing, unfamiliarity with the Latin expression, and autocorrect can also contribute to the mistake.
4. Is per se formal or informal?
Per se is used in both formal and informal English. It appears in academic, professional, legal, and everyday discussions. However, simpler alternatives such as “in itself” may sound more natural in some sentences.
5. Can I use per se in a professional email?
Yes. You can use per se in a professional email when it helps express your point clearly.
Example: “The proposed deadline is not unreasonable per se, but we need to confirm the team’s availability.”
6. What is an easy way to remember per se vs per say?
Remember that per se means “in itself.” If you can replace the expression with “in itself” and preserve the intended meaning, per se is likely the correct choice.
Conclusion
The difference between per se vs per say becomes easy to understand once you learn the meaning of the expression. Per se is the correct spelling when you want to say “in itself,” “by itself,” or “as such.” Per say is generally a spelling mistake when used as an alternative to this established Latin phrase.
You can use per se in everyday conversations, professional emails, academic assignments, creative writing, and online content. It helps explain that something is not necessarily good, bad, difficult, or harmful on its own, even when other circumstances affect the situation.
To avoid mistakes, remember the meaning of the phrase instead of relying only on its pronunciation. When proofreading, replace the expression with “in itself” to check whether it fits your sentence. If it does, write per se.
Correct spelling may seem like a small detail, but small details make writing clearer and more professional. Remember this simple rule whenever you write: when you mean “in itself,” choose per se, not per say.
Hi, I’m Andrew Bennett, a grammar enthusiast and content writer at Gramcora. I enjoy simplifying complex grammar rules and helping readers improve their English writing skills through clear, practical, and easy-to-follow guides.
