The phrase "per say" is one of the most persistent "eggcorns" in the English language. An eggcorn is a word or phrase that results from a mishearing or misspelling of another word, often because the sounds are identical. In this case, the confusion stems from the Latin phrase per se, which is pronounced exactly like the English words "per" and "say."

To understand the meaning of "per say" (or rather, the correct term per se), one must look beyond simple translation and examine how this versatile phrase functions in law, philosophy, business, and everyday conversation.

The Quick Answer: Is It Per Say or Per Se?

Strictly speaking, "per say" does not exist in the English lexicon. It has no formal definition and is universally considered a spelling error. The correct phrase is per se.

Derived from Latin, per se translates literally to "by itself" or "in itself." When used in a sentence, it functions as an adverbial phrase to indicate that something is being considered in isolation, stripped of any external circumstances, associations, or additional factors.

For example, consider the sentence: "The car is not fast per se, but it handles corners exceptionally well." Here, the speaker is saying that if you look only at the car’s top speed or acceleration in a vacuum (by itself), it isn't impressive. However, other factors like handling make it a good vehicle.

The Etymology and Latin Origins of Per Se

To truly master the use of per se, it is helpful to understand where it comes from. The phrase consists of two Latin words:

  1. Per: A preposition meaning "through," "by means of," or "by."
  2. Se: A reflexive pronoun meaning "itself," "himself," "herself," or "themselves."

In Latin grammar, se is in the ablative case, following the preposition per. Together, they form a phrase that has been used in scholasticism and formal logic for centuries to distinguish between an object's essential nature and its accidental or extrinsic properties.

Medieval philosophers used per se to describe characteristics that are inherent to a definition. For instance, a triangle is a three-sided figure per se. Having three sides is not a coincidence; it is the very definition of being a triangle. This level of precision was carried over into English as the language began adopting Latin legal and academic terms during the Renaissance.

Why Do People Get It Wrong? The Phonetic Trap

The reason "per say" is a top-tier search query is purely phonetic. In American and British English, the Latin "se" is typically pronounced /seɪ/ (rhymes with "day"). This makes it indistinguishable from the English verb "say."

Because "say" is a common word associated with expression and meaning, English speakers often subconsciously assume the phrase is "per say," perhaps interpreting it as "according to what people say" or "by saying so." However, using "per say" in written communication—whether it is a business email, an academic essay, or even a casual text—can undermine the writer's perceived authority and attention to detail.

How to Use Per Se Correctly in Everyday Sentences

The most common use of per se in modern English is to clarify that a specific thing is being discussed without taking other related issues into account. It is a tool for precision.

1. Isolating the Subject

When you want to emphasize that you are not criticizing an entire situation, but rather a specific component, per se is the perfect modifier.

  • Example: "I don't have a problem with the new office policy per se; I just think the timing of its implementation was poor."
  • Analysis: The speaker doesn't hate the policy itself (by its nature). The issue is the external factor (the timing).

2. Clarifying Definitions

Sometimes, a situation might not fit a strict definition even if it feels like it does.

  • Example: "He isn't a professional chef per se, but he has worked in high-end kitchens for over a decade."
  • Analysis: Technically, by the literal definition of the title, he might lack the certification or the current job title, but his experience suggests otherwise.

3. Emphasizing Intrinsic Qualities

You can use per se to highlight what something is at its core.

  • Example: "The movie wasn't a horror film per se, but it had enough suspense to keep the audience on edge."
  • Analysis: The film’s primary genre or nature wasn't horror, though it shared some traits.

Usage in Professional and Specialized Contexts

While per se is common in daily speech, it carries significant weight in specialized fields. Understanding these nuances can prevent embarrassing errors in professional writing.

The Legal Context: Negligence Per Se and Slander Per Se

In the legal world, per se is a technical term used to describe actions that are inherently illegal or harmful, without needing further proof of the actor’s intent or the specific circumstances.

  • Negligence Per Se: This occurs when a person violates a statute or regulation designed to protect the public (such as a speed limit or building code). In these cases, the court may conclude that the person was negligent per se. You don't have to prove the person was being "careless"; the mere fact that they broke the law is proof enough of negligence.
  • Slander/Libel Per Se: In defamation law, some statements are considered so damaging that they are defamatory per se. Examples include falsely accusing someone of a heinous crime or saying they have a loathsome disease. In these instances, the plaintiff does not need to prove "special damages" (monetary loss) because the harm to their reputation is presumed by the nature of the statement itself.

The Academic and Philosophical Context

In academic writing, particularly in philosophy and the social sciences, per se is used to discuss variables in isolation.

  • Example: "Increased wealth does not lead to happiness per se; rather, it provides access to resources that reduce stress, which in turn improves well-being."
  • Analysis: This statement argues that money, by its own nature, doesn't generate the chemical state of happiness, but its external effects do.

The Business and Marketing Context

In business, per se is often used when discussing product positioning, branding, and contract terms.

  • Example: "The decline in sales isn't a result of the product quality per se, but rather a shift in consumer interest toward eco-friendly alternatives."
  • Analysis: This distinguishes between internal product performance and external market trends.

Grammatical Rules for Per Se

If you want to use per se like a pro, there are a few stylistic and grammatical rules to follow.

1. Placement in a Sentence

Per se usually follows the noun or phrase it modifies. It acts as an adverbial phrase.

  • Correct: "The structure per se is sound."
  • Awkward: "The per se structure is sound."

2. Italics or Not?

Historically, foreign phrases used in English were always italicized. However, per se has become so integrated into the English language that many style guides (like the Associated Press or Chicago Manual of Style) no longer require italics.

  • Formal/Academic: You might see it as per se.
  • Modern Business/Journalism: You will likely see it as per se.
  • Tip: Check your specific organization's style guide. If in doubt, use plain text, but be consistent.

3. Punctuation

Per se does not usually require commas before or after it, unless the flow of the sentence naturally demands a pause.

  • Correct: "It is not the money per se that matters."
  • Also Correct (if adding emphasis): "The decision, per se, was not illegal."

Common Misuses: Beyond the Spelling

Even people who spell it correctly as "per se" often use it incorrectly. It is not a catch-all filler word for "necessarily" or "as they say."

The "Necessarily" Trap

Many people use per se when they actually mean "necessarily."

  • Incorrect: "It doesn't per se mean he's guilty."
  • Correct: "It doesn't necessarily mean he's guilty."
  • Explanation: Per se is about the nature of the thing, not the logical necessity of a conclusion.

The "So to Speak" Trap

Some speakers use per se as if it means "so to speak" or "in a manner of speaking."

  • Incorrect: "He was the king of the castle, per se."
  • Correct: "He was the king of the castle, so to speak."

Synonyms and Alternatives to Per Se

If you find yourself overusing per se, or if you are worried your audience might find it too formal or pretentious, consider these alternatives:

  1. In and of itself: This is the most direct and common replacement.
    • Example: "The idea, in and of itself, is brilliant."
  2. Intrinsically: Use this when talking about the essential nature of something.
    • Example: "The diamond is not intrinsically valuable; its price is driven by scarcity."
  3. Essentially: Good for general summaries.
    • Example: "It is essentially a problem of communication."
  4. As such: Often used to refer back to a previously mentioned status.
    • Example: "He is the manager, and as such, he is responsible for the team."
  5. By itself: Simple, clean, and easy to understand.
    • Example: "The house, by itself, is worth half a million dollars."

How to Remember the Correct Spelling

If you struggle with the "per say" vs "per se" distinction, use these mnemonic devices:

  • The "Say" Rule: If you can't replace the phrase with "by speaking," then "say" is probably wrong. Since per se means "by itself," think of the 'E' in 'se' standing for 'Essential'.
  • The Latin Connection: Remind yourself that this is a Latin phrase. Latin words rarely end in "ay." Think of other Latin terms like in situ or per diem.
  • Visual Association: Picture the word "Self." Both "Self" and "Se" start with the same sounds and refer to the same concept (itself).

Why Precision Matters in Your Writing

You might wonder, "Does it really matter if I write 'per say' instead of 'per se' if people know what I mean?"

In casual text messages with friends, the stakes are low. However, in professional and academic environments, precision is a proxy for competence. Using the correct Latin spelling signals to the reader that you are well-educated and detail-oriented. Conversely, using "per say" can act as a "red flag" for hiring managers, editors, or professors, potentially causing them to question the overall quality of your work.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Per Se

Is "per say" ever correct?

No. In the context of the meaning "in itself," "per say" is always a misspelling. The only time "per" and "say" might appear together is in a very specific, unrelated sentence structure, such as: "The cost per say, five units, is high." But even then, it is awkward and rare.

How is per se pronounced?

It is most commonly pronounced as "per say" (/pɜːr ˈseɪ/). However, some people use a more traditional Latin-style pronunciation "per seh" (/pɜːr ˈsɛ/), though this is less common in modern English.

Can I use per se at the end of a sentence?

Yes, it is very common to see per se at the end of a clause or sentence.

  • Example: "I don't dislike the design per se."

Should I use per se in a business email?

You can, but use it sparingly. If the sentence sounds just as good without it, or if you can use "in itself," that might be safer for a broad audience. Overusing Latin phrases can sometimes come across as overly formal.

Is per se formal?

Yes, it is considered a formal to semi-formal phrase. It is more common in writing than in casual spoken slang.

Summary and Conclusion

To wrap up, the phrase you are looking for is per se, not "per say." It is a powerful linguistic tool that allows you to isolate a subject and discuss its intrinsic qualities without the distraction of external factors.

  • Meaning: "By itself" or "in itself."
  • Origin: Latin.
  • Common Error: Writing it as "per say" due to its pronunciation.
  • Best Practice: Use it when you need to distinguish between the nature of a thing and its context.

By mastering the spelling and usage of per se, you improve the clarity of your communication and demonstrate a command of the English language that goes beyond the surface level. Whether you are arguing a legal point, analyzing a piece of literature, or simply explaining your preferences in a meeting, using this phrase correctly ensures your message is heard—per se—without the distraction of a common spelling mistake.