“Per se” and “per say” sound exactly the same, so many learners write the wrong form without realizing it. Since English spelling does not always match pronunciation, this mistake is very common.
The truth is simple: only one of these is correct.
Let’s make it clear so you never get confused again.
Quick Answer
- “Per se” is the correct phrase
- “Per say” is incorrect
- “Per se” means “by itself” or “in itself”
- Always use “per se” in writing
Simple Background Explanation
“Per se” comes from Latin and means “by itself.”
Over time, it became a common expression in English, especially in formal and thoughtful sentences.
“Per say” is just a spelling mistake based on how the phrase sounds.
Clear Explanation of the Difference
Let’s make it very simple.
“Per se”
This is correct. It means “in itself” or “as such.”
Examples:
- The problem is not the idea per se.
- It is not wrong per se.
“Per say”
This is incorrect and should not be used.
Example:
- It is not wrong per say ❌ wrong
So the difference is correct vs incorrect spelling.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correct or Not | Meaning | Should You Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per se | Correct | In itself | Yes |
| Per say | Incorrect | No meaning | No |
What “Per Se” Means
“Per se” is used when you want to talk about something in its true or basic form.
It means:
- By itself
- In its own nature
Examples:
- The plan is not bad per se.
- Money is not the problem per se.
- It is not harmful per se.
When to Use “Per Se”
Use “per se” when:
- You want to clarify meaning
- You are not fully agreeing or disagreeing
- You want to be precise
Examples:
- It is not a mistake per se.
- The issue is not the design per se.
Why “Per Say” Is Incorrect
“Per say” is not a real phrase.
It comes from:
- Hearing “per se” and spelling it incorrectly
Always avoid this form.
Easy Trick to Remember
Here is a simple rule:
“Se” is the correct ending
Memory tip:
Per se = standard phrase
Why People Get Confused
Here are the main reasons:
Same pronunciation
“Se” and “say” sound the same.
Spelling guess
People write what they hear.
Latin origin
Not familiar to many learners.
Common mistake
Seen often in informal writing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are mistakes to watch for:
Using “per say”
- It is not wrong per say ❌
Not knowing meaning
Understand usage before using.
Correct vs incorrect examples:
- It is not wrong per se ✔️
- It is not wrong per say ❌
- The issue is not that per se ✔️
- The issue is not that per say ❌
Everyday Real Life Examples
Here are simple examples from daily life.
In conversation:
- It is not bad per se.
- That is not the problem per se.
At work:
- The issue is not the system per se.
- The design is fine per se.
In writing:
- The idea is not wrong per se.
- The plan is not flawed per se.
Easy Learning Section for Beginners
Here is a simple trick:
Always use “per se”
Memory tip:
Never use “per say”
Practice sentences:
- It is not wrong per se
- That is not the issue per se
- The idea is fine per se
Mini exercise:
Fill in the blanks:
- It is not bad ______
Answer: per se - That is not the problem ______
Answer: per se - The idea is not wrong ______
Answer: per se
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “per say” correct
No, it is incorrect.
2. What is the correct phrase
The correct phrase is “per se.”
3. What does “per se” mean
It means “in itself.”
4. Why do people write “per say”
Because it sounds the same.
5. Is “per se” formal
Yes, it is often used in formal writing.
6. Is this mistake common
Yes, very common.
7. How can I remember the correct form
Always use “se.”
8. Will this mistake affect my writing
Yes, it makes your writing incorrect.
Conclusion
The difference between “per se” and “per say” is simple.
“Per se” is the correct phrase and should always be used.
“Per say” is incorrect and should be avoided.
Just remember:
Per se = correct
With this simple rule, you can use this phrase confidently every time.
