Per Say or Per Se? Which Is Correct?

The English language is full of complexities and quirks that can trip up even the most seasoned speakers. One such confusion involves the phrases “per say” and “per se.” Despite sounding quite similar, they are used very differently in English.

In this article, we’ll break down the proper usage of “per se” vs. “per say”, providing clear definitions, real-world examples, and tips for ensuring you use them correctly. We’ll also explore common misunderstandings, historical background, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What Does “Per SE” Mean?

“Per se” is a Latin term that translates directly to “by itself” or “in itself.” It’s used to emphasize that something is being considered independently or without reference to anything else. When used in English, it often means that something is inherently or intrinsically true without needing additional context or conditions.

Examples of “Per Se” in Sentences:

• “The concept isn’t dangerous per se, but it can have harmful consequences if misapplied.”
• “While the idea of censorship isn’t per se negative, it can lead to oppression when misused.”

These examples show how “per se” is used to signify the idea of something existing in its most basic or pure form, separate from other influences.

What Does “Per Say” Mean?

Contrary to the common assumption, “per say” is not a valid English expression. It’s a frequent misspelling or mishearing of “per se.” Many people mistakenly use “per say” in the place of “per se,” either because of unfamiliarity with the Latin term or because it sounds more phonetically familiar.

Examples of “Per Say” in Sentences:

• “That’s not accurate per say, but it’s pretty close to the truth.”

In this case, the speaker likely intended to use “per se” but mistakenly used “per say,” which doesn’t hold any grammatical weight in English.

Using “per say” is not just a mistake—it can make your writing appear unprofessional and muddle the clarity of your ideas. Let’s break down why this error occurs and how to avoid it.

Why “Per Say” is a Mistake

The confusion between “per say” and “per se” is often rooted in mishearing the phrase. Because “per se” is a foreign term, it may not always sound familiar, and so people may substitute it with what they perceive as a more natural-sounding version.

Language Evolution: Why It Happens

Languages evolve over time, and errors like “per say” come from phonetic misunderstanding or linguistic shortcuts. This phenomenon isn’t exclusive to “per say”—it can be observed with numerous expressions in English, where pronunciation changes over time and leads to spelling mistakes.

However, while language is always evolving, it’s important to recognize that “per say” is still incorrect. Unlike other language shifts, this is one mistake that doesn’t have an accepted place in English usage.

Grammar Implications

Using “per say” is problematic because it distorts the intended meaning. “Per se” is used to describe something in its essence, and if you use “per say,” it creates confusion, as it’s not a recognized term in the English language. Additionally, using incorrect phrases can undermine your credibility and make your writing seem less polished.

The Origin of “Per Se”

“Per se” originates from Latin, where it literally means “by itself” or “in itself.” It was first used in English legal and philosophical contexts to refer to things considered in their most fundamental state, without regard to external factors.

Historical Context

The term “per se” has been a part of English vocabulary for centuries. It was initially popularized in legal jargon where clarity and precision are crucial. For instance, in legal contexts, “per se negligence” refers to actions that are considered negligent in and of themselves, without the need for further proof of carelessness.

Example of Legal Use:

• “The act of driving over the speed limit is considered per se negligence.”

In philosophy, the term is often used to describe something considered in its pure, unaltered form. For instance, “per se” may refer to a concept or idea examined without external interference.

Real-World Examples of “Per Se” in Context

To better understand how to use “per se” correctly, let’s explore some examples across different contexts.

Legal Use:

In law, “per se” is often used to describe something that is inherently illegal or wrong without needing further evidence or context. This can help streamline legal language and provide clarity.

Example:

• “Driving while intoxicated is per se illegal in most jurisdictions.”

Here, the act of driving intoxicated is considered illegal on its own, without needing to prove that the driver’s actions were careless or dangerous beyond the fact of being intoxicated.

Philosophical Use:

Philosophers may use “per se” when discussing concepts or objects independent of external qualities.

Example:

• “The mind, per se, is not material; it is a non-physical entity in this context.”

In this case, “per se” helps emphasize that the mind is being considered without reference to its physical manifestation.

Everyday Use:

In daily speech, “per se” can be used to clarify something that is not inherently a problem but could become one under specific circumstances.

Example:

• “The policy isn’t per se discriminatory, but its implementation can be problematic.”

Here, “per se” is used to clarify that the policy isn’t inherently discriminatory but could lead to issues depending on how it’s applied.

Per Say vs. Per Se: The Key Differences

To avoid confusion, it’s essential to clearly understand how “per say” and “per se” differ.

Term	Meaning	Correct Usage
Per Se	By itself; in itself; intrinsically.	Used to describe something in its purest form.
Per Say	Incorrect term, no meaning in English.	Should not be used; it’s a common misspelling of “per se.”

The key difference lies in the fact that “per say” is a nonexistent phrase in English, while “per se” holds a specific meaning and has a rich history in both legal and philosophical contexts.

Why Precision in Language Matters

Using language correctly isn’t just about avoiding embarrassment or sounding sophisticated. It’s about ensuring clarity and effective communication. Whether you’re writing a professional document, making a presentation, or just having a conversation, your choice of words influences how your message is received.

Clarity and Understanding

The purpose of communication is to convey meaning. When you use phrases incorrectly, you risk creating confusion, and your audience may misunderstand your intent. Misusing “per say” instead of “per se” can cloud your message and lead to unnecessary complications in your discourse.

Professionalism

In professional settings, language precision demonstrates credibility and attention to detail. Using “per se” correctly shows that you have a solid grasp of the language and enhances your communication style.

Commonly Confused Phrases Similar to “Per Se”

If you find yourself tripping over “per se,” you’re not alone. English is full of commonly confused phrases. Here are a few other examples of commonly misused expressions:

Common Mistake	Correct Phrase
“For all intensive purposes”	“For all intents and purposes”
“Could care less”	“Couldn’t care less”
“Irregardless”	“Regardless”
“Less than” (for comparisons)	“Fewer than” (when referring to countable items)

Just like “per say,” these misused phrases can undermine your credibility and confuse your audience.

Conclusion: Mastering “Per Se” for Clear Communication

In conclusion, the phrase “per se” is a useful term that conveys meaning with precision, and understanding its correct usage can elevate your communication. “Per say,” on the other hand, is a common error that can dilute the clarity of your message.

To ensure your writing is polished and professional, avoid using “per say” altogether. By mastering the proper use of “per se,” you’ll communicate more effectively and establish a higher level of credibility. Language is a powerful tool—make sure you’re using it accurately to get your message across clearly.

FAQs: Per Say or Per SE? Which Is Correct?

1. What is the correct phrase: “per say” or “per se”?

The correct phrase is “per se”. “Per say” is a common misspelling or mishearing of “per se,” and it is not a valid term in English.

2. What does “per se” mean?

“Per se” is a Latin term that means “by itself” or “in itself.” It is used to describe something considered independently or in its most fundamental form.

3. Is “per say” ever correct?

No, “per say” is always incorrect. It is simply a misspelling or misheard version of “per se.” Using “per say” can lead to confusion and is considered unprofessional.

4. Can “per se” be used in everyday conversation?

Yes, “per se” can be used in everyday conversation, especially when you want to describe something in its pure or intrinsic form. For example, “The idea isn’t bad per se, but the implementation could be better.”

5. How can I remember the difference between “per se” and “per say”?

A helpful way to remember the difference is that “per se” comes from Latin, and it has a clear meaning (“by itself”), while “per say” doesn’t have a valid definition. If you’re unsure, always use “per se.”