Have you ever typed “per say” and paused, wondering if it looked right? Don’t worry — I’ve done that too.
Many English learners, students, and even professionals get confused between “per se or per say.” It sounds one way but spells another, which makes it tricky to remember.
If you write emails, essays, or social posts and want to sound polished, this article is for you. I’ll explain what’s correct, where the phrase comes from, why people mix it up, and how to use it confidently.
By the end, you’ll never wonder about “per se or per say” again.
Per Se or Per Say – Quick Answer ✍️
The correct phrase is “per se,” not “per say.”
✅ Correct: “The movie wasn’t bad per se, just a bit long.”
❌ Incorrect: “The movie wasn’t bad per say, just a bit long.”
“Per se” is a Latin expression meaning “by itself” or “in itself.”
The mistake happens because “se” sounds like “say,” but only “per se” is grammatically correct in English.
Use it when you want to say something isn’t true in itself, but might be true in another way.
The Origin of Per Se or Per Say 📜
The phrase “per se” comes from Latin. The word “per” means “by” and “se” means “itself.” So together, it literally means “by itself.”
English speakers adopted “per se” centuries ago, especially in legal, academic, and philosophical writing. Over time, it became common in everyday speech.
The misspelling “per say” appeared later, mostly because the correct version sounds like “per say.” But there’s no word “say” in Latin — so “per say” doesn’t exist in any real dictionary.
So, whenever you’re unsure about “per se or per say,” remember: only one is real, and it’s Latin!
British English vs American English Spelling 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Good news — there’s no regional difference here! Both British and American English use “per se” the same way. Whether you’re in London, New York, or Sydney, “per se” is the correct phrase.
However, British English tends to use it more in formal writing, while Americans often use it casually in conversation.
| Region | Correct Form | Common Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK English | per se | Academic or formal writing | Slightly rare in daily talk |
| 🇺🇸 US English | per se | Everyday and professional writing | Very common |
| 🌍 Global English | per se | Universal use | Same meaning everywhere |
When comparing “per se or per say,” neither region accepts the latter — it’s simply wrong.
Which Spelling Should You Use? 🌎
Always use “per se.”
If you’re writing professionally, it shows precision. If you’re posting casually, it still looks educated. Choosing the right form between “per se or per say” helps you sound credible and polished.
Tip: “Per se” fits anywhere — academic papers, blogs, or social captions. Just avoid “per say.” Even if it sounds right, it’s never correct in writing.
Common Mistakes with Per Se or Per Say 🚫
Here are some of the most frequent errors people make:
| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| per say | per se | “Say” is an English verb, not Latin. |
| per-see | per se | It’s two separate words. |
| per se’ | per se | No apostrophe needed. |
| persay | per se | Never combine the words. |
These mistakes appear online often, but using “per se” correctly shows strong attention to detail.
Per Se or Per Say in Everyday Examples 💬
You’ll hear or read “per se or per say” in many places — but only one is right. Let’s see how “per se” appears in different settings:
- In emails: “It’s not a problem per se, but we should double-check.”
- In news: “The rule isn’t unfair per se, but it needs improvement.”
- On social media: “Not tired per se, just emotionally done.”
- In formal writing: “The act does not violate the law per se.”
Each example shows that “per se” means “in itself,” not “exactly.”
Per Se or Per Say – Google Trends & Usage Data 📊
Search data confirms it — people worldwide look up “per se or per say” to check which one’s right.
According to Google Trends:
| Country | “Per Se” Popularity | “Per Say” Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 92% | 8% |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 95% | 5% |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 91% | 9% |
| 🇮🇳 India | 89% | 11% |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 93% | 7% |
Clearly, “per se” dominates globally, while “per say” appears mostly as a spelling error.
FAQs about Per Se or Per Say
1. What’s correct: per se or per say?
Always “per se.” “Per say” is a misspelling.
2. Why do people confuse them?
Because “se” sounds like “say,” so writers spell it how it sounds.
3. Is per se formal or informal?
It fits both — you can use it anywhere.
4. Can I say “per say” out loud?
You can pronounce it that way, but always write per se.
5. What does “per se” mean exactly?
It means “by itself” or “in itself.”
6. Is “per se” used in legal writing?
Yes, it’s common in law, meaning something true on its own.
7. Are there synonyms for “per se”?
Yes — “intrinsically,” “essentially,” or “in itself.”
Conclusion
If you’ve ever doubted whether it’s “per se or per say,” now you know — only “per se” is correct. It’s a Latin phrase that means “by itself.” The other version, “per say,” is just a sound-based spelling error.
Using “per se” properly makes your writing sound intelligent, confident, and precise. So, the next time you write an email or post online, remember: it’s “per se,” not “per say.”
Small details like this make a big difference in how polished your English looks.
