Per se is the correct spelling. It is a two-word phrase that means by itself, in itself, or as such. ✓ Correct Use per se. ✗ Wrong Avoid per say.
The phrase per se is listed as an adverb meaning by, of, or in itself. It can also work as an adjective in phrases such as per se rule or per se conflict. Source-1✅
Table of Contents
Which Spelling Is Correct
The correct form is per se. It is always written as two separate words. The spelling per say is a sound-based mistake, not a standard form of the phrase.
| Form | Status | Use It? | Simple Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| per se | ✓ Correct | Yes | Means by itself, in itself, or as such. |
| per say | ✗ Wrong | No | A common spelling error caused by the sound of se. |
| perse | ✗ Usually Wrong Here | No | Not the phrase people usually mean when comparing per se and per say. |
Meaning and Use
Per se means something is being looked at on its own, without extra details, side issues, or outside context. Cambridge Dictionary labels it as a formal adverb and gives the meaning by or of itself. Source-2✅
- The idea is not bad per se. = The idea is not bad by itself.
- The price is not the problem per se. = The price alone is not the problem.
- The design is not unusual per se. = The design itself is not unusual.
Where It Usually Appears in a Sentence
Per se often appears near the end of a clause. It usually points back to the noun or idea just before it. That makes the sentence feel more exact, especially when the writer wants to separate one part from a larger situation.
| Sentence Pattern | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| noun + per se | The schedule per se is fine. | The schedule itself is fine. |
| not + noun + per se | It is not the rule per se that feels unclear. | The rule alone is not the issue. |
| adjective idea + per se | The choice is not risky per se. | The choice is not risky by itself. |
Pronunciation and Origin
Per se is commonly pronounced like per SAY. That sound is the main reason many people write per say. The spelling stays se, not say, because the phrase comes from Latin. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries lists per se as coming from Latin and meaning by itself. Source-3✅
Sound vs Spelling
- People hear: per SAY
- People sometimes write: per say
- The correct written form: per se
Word Parts and Related Forms
The phrase per se comes from Latin. In that older form, it literally meant something close to by itself. Etymonline traces the phrase to Latin and records English use from the 1570s. Source-4✅
| Part | Role | Plain Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| per | Latin preposition | by, through, or by means of |
| se | Latin reflexive form | itself, himself, herself, or themselves |
| per se | English phrase | by itself, in itself, or as such |
Related English Phrases
Per se belongs to a small group of Latin phrases still used in English. These phrases can sound formal, but they are common in careful writing, school essays, workplace notes, reviews, and explanations.
- per capita = per person
- per diem = per day
- per annum = per year
- per se = by itself
Natural Example Sentences
Use per se when you want to separate one thing from the full situation. It is often used after a noun, idea, or adjective. The phrase can make a sentence more exact, but it can also feel a little formal.
Correct Examples
- The app is not confusing per se; it just has too many menus.
- The word is not hard per se, but the spelling can catch people.
- The fee per se is small, though the extra charges add up.
- The rule is not strict per se; it depends on the context.
Incorrect Examples
- The app is not confusing per say.
- The price per say is not the issue.
- The phrase per say looks natural, but it is not the standard spelling.
- Use per se, not per say, in edited writing.
Common Misspellings Table
Most errors happen because the phrase is heard before it is read. The final sound in per se feels like the English word say, so the wrong spelling can look believable at first glance.
| Spelling | Correct? | Why It Happens | Better Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| per se | ✓ Yes | Standard two-word phrase | Use this form. |
| per say | ✗ No | Based on pronunciation | Write per se. |
| per-say | ✗ No | Adds a hyphen where none is needed | Write per se. |
| persay | ✗ No | Runs the phrase together | Keep the words separate. |
| perse | ✗ No for this phrase | Drops the space | Write per se. |
Formal or Casual Use
Per se is correct, but it can sound more formal than everyday alternatives. In relaxed writing, by itself often sounds smoother. In careful writing, per se works well when the exact meaning matters.
| Context | Natural Choice | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Casual message | by itself | The idea is not bad by itself. |
| Work note | per se or by itself | The timeline is not the issue per se. |
| Academic-style writing | per se | The result is not unusual per se. |
| Simple explanation | in itself | The rule is not unfair in itself. |
Usage Notes That Prevent Mistakes
The safest way to check per se is to replace it with by itself. If the sentence still makes sense, per se probably fits. If the sentence becomes awkward, a simpler phrase may be better.
- Keep it two words: per se.
- Do not use say: the phrase is not about speaking.
- Use it for separation: it points to one thing alone.
- Do not overuse it: one clear use is better than repeating it.
- Use simple wording when needed: by itself is often enough.
Clean rewrite: Instead of writing “The design is not bad per say,” write “The design is not bad per se.” For a simpler tone, write “The design is not bad by itself.”
FAQ
Is It Per Se or Per Say?
Per se is correct. Per say is a common spelling mistake caused by pronunciation.
What Does Per Se Mean?
Per se means by itself, in itself, or as such. It helps separate one thing from the larger situation around it.
Why Do People Write Per Say?
People write per say because per se is often pronounced like per SAY. The sound is close, but the spelling is still per se.
Can I Replace Per Se With By Itself?
Yes. In many sentences, by itself is a clear replacement for per se. Example: The rule is not confusing per se means The rule is not confusing by itself.
Is Per Se Too Formal?
Per se can sound formal, but it is normal in careful writing. For a simpler tone, use by itself or in itself.