Many people feel confused when they hear or write “per se” and “per say.” They sound almost the same when spoken, so it’s easy to mix them up. You may have seen both forms online, in messages, or even in schoolwork.
But here’s the truth: only one of them is correct in standard English. The other is a common mistake.
This guide will explain everything in very simple English so you can understand it clearly and use the right form with confidence.
Quick Answer
- “Per se” ✅
- Correct spelling
- Means “by itself” or “in itself”
- “Per say” ❌
- Incorrect spelling
- A common mistake people make when writing
👉 Simple rule:
If you want to sound correct and clear, always use “per se.”
Simple Origin or Background
The phrase “per se” comes from Latin, an old language that has influenced English.
- “Per” means through or by
- “Se” means itself
So together, “per se” means “by itself” or “on its own.”
Even though English has changed over time, we still use this phrase exactly as it was written in Latin. That’s why the spelling looks a little unusual.
“Per say,” on the other hand, is not from Latin or English. It is simply a spelling mistake based on how the phrase sounds.
Clear Explanation of the Difference
Let’s make it very easy:
What “Per Se” Means
“Per se” is used when you want to talk about something on its own, not connected to anything else.
It helps you explain that something is not exactly what it seems at first.
Example:
- “This idea is not wrong per se, but it needs improvement.”
👉 Meaning: The idea is not completely wrong by itself, but it still has some problems.
What “Per Say” Means
“Per say” does not have a meaning in correct English.
People write it because it sounds like “per se,” but it is not correct.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Per Se ✅ | Per Say ❌ |
| Correct spelling | Yes | No |
| Meaning | By itself / In itself | No real meaning |
| Origin | Latin | None (mistake) |
| Use in writing | Formal and informal writing | Should not be used |
| Example | “Not bad per se” | ❌ Incorrect |
Which One to Use and When
Use “Per Se” When:
- You want to talk about something on its own
- You want to explain that something is not exactly what it seems
- You are writing emails, essays, or speaking clearly
Examples:
- “This plan is not bad per se, but it needs more detail.”
- “He is not lazy per se, just tired.”
- “The movie wasn’t boring per se, just slow.”
Never Use “Per Say”
- Avoid using “per say” in all situations
- It can make your writing look incorrect or careless
Common Mistakes People Make
Here are some mistakes many learners make:
1. Writing “Per Say” Instead of “Per Se”
❌ “The idea is not bad per say.”
✅ “The idea is not bad per se.”
2. Using It Without Understanding
Some people use “per se” just to sound smart, but they don’t use it correctly.
❌ “I per se like pizza.”
✅ “I like pizza.” (No need for “per se” here)
3. Using It Too Often
“Per se” is helpful, but you don’t need it in every sentence.
Keep your writing simple.
4. Confusing Meaning
Some learners think it means “very” or “really.”
That’s not correct.
Everyday Real-Life Examples
Let’s look at how people use “per se” in daily life.
In Emails
- “Your report is not wrong per se, but it needs more examples.”
In Conversations
- “I’m not angry per se, just a bit upset.”
On Social Media
- “This phone isn’t bad per se, but it’s too expensive.”
In News or Articles
- “The policy is not harmful per se, but it may cause issues later.”
At School
- “Your answer is not incorrect per se, but it’s incomplete.”
Short Learning Section for Students and Beginners
Here’s a simple way to remember everything:
Easy Memory Trick
Think of “per se” as:
👉 “by itself”
If your sentence works with “by itself,” then “per se” is correct.
Practice Sentences
Try to fill in the blank:
- “The idea is not bad ___.”
- “He is not rude ___, just quiet.”
✅ Answers:
- per se
- per se
Simple Tip
If you are unsure:
- Replace “per se” with “by itself”
- If it still makes sense → correct use
FAQ Section
1. Is “per say” ever correct?
No. “Per say” is always incorrect in standard English.
2. What does “per se” mean in simple words?
It means “by itself” or “in itself.”
3. Can I use “per se” in daily conversation?
Yes. It is common in both speaking and writing.
4. Is “per se” formal or informal?
It can be used in both, but it sounds slightly more formal.
5. Why do people write “per say”?
Because it sounds the same when spoken, so people guess the spelling wrong.
6. Can I avoid using “per se”?
Yes. You can replace it with simple phrases like:
- “by itself”
- “not exactly”
7. Is “per se” difficult to use?
Not really. Once you understand the meaning, it becomes easy.
8. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Remember:
👉 It ends with “se”, not “say”
👉 Think of it as a fixed phrase from Latin
Conclusion
The difference between “per se” and “per say” is simple once you understand it clearly.
- “Per se” is the correct phrase. It means “by itself” or “in itself.”
- “Per say” is just a spelling mistake and should not be used.
Because both sound the same, many people confuse them. But now you know the correct form and how to use it properly.
Keep your sentences simple, and use “per se” only when it truly fits. With a little practice, you will use it naturally and correctly every time.
