Per se or Per say: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: When asking whether per se or per say is correct, the verdict is clear: per se is the proper Latin phrase meaning by itself, while per say is a common misspelling. This guide explains the origin of the phrase and helps you avoid confusion in your daily writing so you can use it with confidence.
The Short Answer
Per se is the correct Latin phrase meaning by itself or in itself, whereas per say is strictly a misspelling that should be avoided. Knowing the right form is essential for maintaining accuracy in your professional and personal communications.
People often confuse these two because the sounds are identical and the incorrect version appears frequently in casual digital text. This similarity leads to errors, but the correct choice relies on recognizing the original Latin roots of the expression rather than how it is spoken.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Per se | Correct | You need to mean by itself or in itself |
| Per say | Incorrect | Never use this form as it is a typo |
| Noun | Part of speech | It functions as a noun or adverbial phrase |
| Latin | Origin | The phrase comes from the Latin language |
Correct Example Sentences
- The claim is true per se, though other details complicate the overall situation.
- The design is elegant per se, but it lacks functionality for the intended purpose.
- The law does not prohibit this action per se, but local regulations might apply.
- The cake tastes delicious per se, but the frosting could be improved.
- The data supports the theory per se, yet the sample size is too small.
- The building is safe per se, but the exit signs are missing from the hallway.
- The statement is accurate per se, but it misses the larger context of the debate.
- The plan is feasible per se, but the timeline seems unrealistic for the current budget.
- The product is effective per se, but the price point excludes many potential buyers.
- The rule is fair per se, but it creates unnecessary hurdles for small businesses.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- This rule is per say, so we must follow it.
- This rule is per se, so we must follow it.
- The situation is per say, meaning it stands alone.
- The situation is per se, meaning it stands alone.
- He argued that the law was per say.
- He argued that the law was per se.
- The outcome is per say, regardless of the method used.
- The outcome is per se, regardless of the method used.
- This feature is per say, adding no real value.
- This feature is per se, adding no real value.
- The plan is per say, but it needs more funding.
- The plan is per se, but it needs more funding.
A Quick Test You Can Use
To determine if you are using the correct phrase, ask yourself if the word means by itself or in itself within the context of your sentence. If the idea fits that definition, then per se is the right choice, while any variation suggesting speech or saying is incorrect.
Related Word Pairs
- Affect vs. Effect
- Use affect as a verb for action and effect as a noun for result
- Compliment vs. Complement
- Use compliment for praise and complement for something that completes another
- Discreet vs. Discreet
- Use discreet for caution and discrete for separate or distinct items
- Stationary vs. Stationery
- Use stationary for something not moving and stationery for writing supplies
- Principal vs. Principle
- Use principal for main or primary and principle for a rule or belief
Frequently Asked Questions
Is per say ever acceptable in writing?
No, per say is never acceptable in formal or informal writing because it is a misspelling of the Latin phrase per se. Writers should always use the correct form to ensure clarity and professionalism in their communication.
What does per se mean in English?
Per se means by itself or in itself in English, and it is used to indicate that something is considered independently of other factors. This phrase helps clarify that a specific aspect is being discussed on its own merits.
Why do people spell it per say?
People spell it per say because the phrase sounds like the English word say when spoken aloud, leading to a common phonetic error. This mistake ignores the Latin origin of the word and confuses hearing with reading rules.
Can per se be used as a verb?
No, per se cannot be used as a verb because it functions as an adverbial phrase or noun within a sentence. It describes a condition or state rather than an action performed by a subject.
