Per Say or Per Se? Which Is Correct? Unraveling the Confusion

Language can be tricky, especially when it comes to commonly misused phrases. One such phrase that confuses many is “per say” vs. “per se”. If you’ve ever found yourself uncertain about which term to use, you’re not alone.

This blog post will guide you through the proper usage of “per se,” breaking down its origins, meaning, and common mistakes.

By the end, you’ll not only know the right term to use but also feel more confident about avoiding other common language pitfalls.

What Is the Correct Phrase: “Per Say” or “Per Se”?

Let’s settle this right away: “Per Se” is the correct term. “Per say” is a common mistake, often caused by mishearing the phrase or misinterpreting its meaning.

The term “per se” originates from Latin and translates to “by itself” or “in itself.” It’s used to describe something that exists independently, without influence from external factors.

In contrast, “per say” has no legitimate meaning in English. It’s simply a misheard version of the proper term. In short, if you’re ever in doubt, always go with “per se”.

The Origins and Meaning of “Per Se”

The term “per se” has roots in Latin. It’s made up of two words: “per”, meaning “by” or “through,” and “se”, meaning “itself.” So, together, they convey the meaning of something existing by itself, intrinsically, or independently.

In ancient times, per se was commonly used in legal texts and philosophy. It was employed to define something that was inherently true or could be understood in isolation. Over time, the phrase found its way into everyday speech.

Real-World Examples of “Per Se”:

Understanding “Per Se” Through Its Latin Roots

Let’s break down “per se” even further to understand how its Latin roots influence its usage today. In Latin:

• “Per” means “by” or “through.”
• “Se” translates to “itself.”

The meaning is literal: something exists independently or intrinsically. So, when you use “per se” in a sentence, you’re emphasizing that something is true in its own right, without additional factors or explanations.

Example Sentences:

• “The book was interesting per se, but the writing style made it hard to follow.”
• “The taste of the dish wasn’t great per se, but it was the presentation that caught my attention.”

In both cases, “per se” points out that the intrinsic quality of the subject (the book or dish) exists independently of other factors.

Defining “Per Se”: The Intrinsic Nature

Now, let’s dive deeper into what “per se” actually means when used in sentences. The phrase is typically used to highlight something’s inherent qualities or intrinsic nature, irrespective of other influences. When you say something is “per se”, you are emphasizing its essential, standalone nature.

Example:

In this example, the speaker is emphasizing that the idea of remote work itself isn’t bad, but challenges arise when external factors (like discipline) come into play.

Correctly Using “Per Se” in Sentences

Using “per se” properly can enhance your communication. The key is to understand that it’s not just a filler phrase—it’s meant to emphasize something in isolation.

Here are a few simple tips:

1. Use “per se” to describe something independent of its context:
   • “The price isn’t high per se, but the value is questionable.”
2. Avoid redundancy:
   • Incorrect: “It wasn’t bad per se, in itself.”
   • Correct: “It wasn’t bad per se.”
3. Use it when you want to emphasize a quality that stands on its own:
   • “The decision wasn’t ideal per se, but the timing was the problem.”

“Per Say” – The Common Misconception

So, why do people use “per say” when it’s not even a valid term?

The most likely explanation is mishearing. “Per se” is often pronounced quickly, and some people may mistakenly hear it as “per say”. This mishearing likely stems from the way the words sound in everyday speech. It’s important to remember, however, that “per say” does not hold any grammatical weight in English.

Quick Tip:

Next time you hear someone say “per say,” gently correct them by explaining the proper phrase is “per se.”

Synonyms for “Per Se”

If you want to vary your language while still conveying the same meaning, here are some synonyms for “per se”:

Example Sentences Using Synonyms:

• “The argument wasn’t convincing in itself, but it raised valid concerns.”
• “The property is inherently valuable, despite its location.”

Alternatives to “Per Se”: Exploring Other Phrases

Besides “per se,” there are a few phrases that can convey a similar meaning, but with slight nuances. Here’s a breakdown of some alternatives:

Phrase	Meaning	Example
As such	Referring to the exact nature of something	“The document is not legally binding, as such, it has no authority.”
In and of itself	Emphasizing the core essence of something	“The exam wasn’t difficult in and of itself, but the time limit made it challenging.”
In essence	Expressing the core meaning of something	“The movie was disappointing in essence, though the acting was strong.”

Why Use Alternatives?

While “per se” is precise, these alternatives can sometimes help with sentence flow, or they may feel more natural depending on the context.

Common Misuses of “Per Se” and How to Avoid Them

Even though “per se” is a straightforward phrase, people often misuse it in subtle ways. Let’s look at the most common mistakes:

1. Overuse:

• Avoid repeating “per se” unnecessarily in a sentence.
• Example: “The idea wasn’t bad per se, in itself.”

2. Using it when it’s not necessary:

• Sometimes, a sentence can be just as effective without “per se”.
• Example: “The plan isn’t ideal” is clearer than “The plan isn’t ideal per se.”

3. Incorrect Usage in Complex Sentences:

• Keep your sentences simple and focused on the point.
• Example: “The policy isn’t effective per se, but it has potential in the long run.”

“Per Se” vs. “Necessarily” – Clearing Up the Confusion

While “per se” talks about the intrinsic nature of something, “necessarily” refers to something that must happen or is unavoidable. Let’s explore the difference with examples:

Example:

Clarifying the Difference Between “Per Se” and “So to Speak”

While both phrases are used to provide clarification, “so to speak” is typically used to soften or add a metaphorical twist to a statement, while “per se” keeps things literal.

Example:

• Per Se: “The policy was not flawed per se, but it could have been better.”
• So to Speak: “The policy was, so to speak, a step backward.”

Enhance Your Language Skills with “Per Se”

Mastering “per se” will help you speak and write with more clarity and precision. By understanding when to use this phrase and how to incorporate its nuances, you’ll elevate your language to a more sophisticated level.

FAQs

1. Can I use “per say” in casual conversations?

No, “per say” is a misheard version and should be avoided. Always use “per se” instead.

2. Is it okay to use “per se” in professional writing?

Yes, “per se” is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It’s a great way to express something’s intrinsic nature.

3. What’s the difference between “per se” and “in itself”?

“Per se” and “in itself” are essentially synonyms, but “per se” is often used in legal and philosophical contexts, while “in itself” can be used more generally.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “per se” is a small step toward improving your communication. By recognizing the common mistake of saying “per say” and understanding the true meaning and origin of “per se”, you’ll be able to use it with confidence.