Per Say or Per Se: Which One Is Correct? Usage, and Examples

Per se is the correct spelling, and knowing this instantly clears the confusion behind the query. Many people search for “per say or per se” because both forms sound exactly the

same when spoken, but only one is grammatically correct. This confusion often appears in emails, essays, legal writing, news articles, and social media posts. Writers want to sound professional but are unsure which version to use.

This article solves that problem clearly and completely. You will learn the quick answer, the origin of the term, British and American usage, common mistakes, real-life examples, and professional advice on choosing the right form every time.

Per Say or Per Se: Quick Answer

Per se is correct. Per say is incorrect.

Per se is a Latin phrase meaning “by itself,” “in itself,” or “intrinsically.

Examples:

The plan is not bad per se, but it needs improvement. ✅
The policy isn’t illegal per se. ✅
❌ The idea isn’t wrong per say. (Incorrect)

Bottom line: If you mean in itself, always write per se.

The Origin of Per Se

Latin Roots

The phrase per se comes directly from Latin:

per = through / by
se = itself

Together, per se literally means “by itself.” English has borrowed many Latin phrases, especially in law, philosophy, and formal writing, and per se is one of them.

How It Entered English

Per se has been used in English since at least the 16th century. It became common in:

Legal writing
Academic texts
Formal argument and analysis

Because it was borrowed directly from Latin, the spelling never changed.

Why “Per Say” Exists

The spelling per say exists only because:

Per se and per say sound the same
English speakers write what they hear
Latin phrases are unfamiliar to many learners

Important: Per say has no meaning and is not recognized in standard English dictionaries.

British English vs American English Spelling

There is no spelling difference between British and American English for this phrase.

American English

Correct: per se
Incorrect: per say

Example:

The rule is not unfair per se.

British English

Correct: per se
Incorrect: per say

Example:

The decision is not illegal per se.

Comparison Table

Feature	Per Se	Per Say
Correct spelling	✅ Yes	❌ No
Origin	Latin	None
Used in US English	Yes	No
Used in UK English	Yes	No
Professional writing	Standard	Incorrect

Both varieties of English follow the same rule.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

For US Audiences

Always use per se. Using per say appears incorrect and unprofessional.

For UK & Commonwealth Audiences

The same rule applies. Native speakers and editors expect per se.

For Global or ESL Writing

Use per se in:

Academic writing
Business communication
News and blogs
Legal or formal contexts

Professional advice: If you mean “in itself,” there is only one correct option: per se.

Common Mistakes with Per Say or Per Se

Mistake 1: Writing What You Hear

❌ The rule is not wrong per say. ✅ The rule is not wrong per se.

Mistake 2: Thinking “Per Say” Is Informal English

Some people believe per say is an informal version. This is false.

❌ Informal: per say ✅ Correct (formal and informal): per se

Mistake 3: Overusing the Phrase

Even when used correctly, per se can sound repetitive.

Tip: Use it only when it adds clarity.

Per Se in Everyday Examples

Emails

The proposal isn’t flawed per se, but it needs revision.
This delay isn’t a problem per se.

News Writing

The law is not unconstitutional per se, according to experts.

Social Media

Coffee isn’t bad per se, just don’t drink too much ☕

Academic & Formal Writing

The method is not ineffective per se, but it requires adjustment.

Per Say or Per Se: Google Trends & Usage Data

Search Popularity

The keyword “per say or per se” is frequently searched worldwide.

Countries with High Interest

United States
United Kingdom
Canada
India
Pakistan
Australia

Why People Search This Query

Spoken English hides spelling differences
Latin phrases confuse writers
Fear of making grammar mistakes

Usage Insight

Per se dominates professional, academic, and published writing
Per say appears mainly in informal online content and errors

Comparison Table: Per Se vs Per Say

Phrase	Correct	Meaning	Example
per se	✅ Yes	in itself	Not illegal per se
per say	❌ No	none	❌ wrong usage

FAQs About Per Say or Per Se

Is “per se” a real English phrase?

Yes. It is a Latin phrase fully accepted in English.

Is “per say” ever correct?

No. It is always incorrect.

What does “per se” mean in simple words?

It means by itself or in itself.

Is “per se” formal?

It is common in both formal and semi-formal writing.

Can I replace “per se” with another phrase?

Yes. You can use in itself or intrinsically.

Should “per se” be italicized?

Italicizing is optional. Modern English usually writes it in plain text.

Is the rule different in British English?

No. British and American English use per se the same way.

Conclusion

The confusion between per say or per se exists because English speakers hear the phrase but do not see it written often. However, the rule is simple and universal: per se is the only

correct spelling. It comes from Latin and means by itself or in itself. The spelling per say has no grammatical basis and should always be avoided.

This rule is the same in American, British, and global English. Whether you are writing an email, academic paper, blog post, legal document, or social media caption, using per se

instantly improves clarity and professionalism. Understanding its origin and meaning also helps you use it correctly and confidently.

Small spelling choices can strongly affect how polished your writing appears. By following the explanations, tables, examples, and FAQs in this guide, you can confidently answer the question and avoid one of the most common English writing mistakes.