Is it “per say” or ‘per se’?

Is “per se” or “per say” the correct spelling?

“Per say” is a common misspelling of the phrase “per se,” likely influenced by its pronunciation, which sounds similar. “Per se” means “by itself” or “in itself” and is employed when discussing the singular quality of an item that’s independent of other factors. It’s utilized to avoid generalizations or broad statements, offering specificity in communication. For instance, you can use it to express your current mood or preference rather than a general sentiment.

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This term helps to refine your language, ensuring it is precise and accurately conveys your perception or feelings towards something. For example:

• “I don’t dislike burritos per se. Sometimes, they can make my stomach upset and I don’t want one today.”

In this sentence, the speaker is using “per se” to showcase that they don’t dislike this popular Mexican dish. However, it sometimes makes their stomach upset, so they don’t want a burrito today.

“Per se” is an effective way to illustrate the quality of an aspect of something rather than the whole. Here’s an example that does so effectively:

• “While the movie received mixed reviews, its cinematography, per se, was impressive, showcasing the director’s talent.”

Here, “per se” emphasizes the exceptional quality of the cinematography, irrespective of other aspects of the movie.

In addition to the word being misspelled, it is also commonly misused. People may use “per se” in place of words such as “necessarily.” For example:

• “Studying hard is not per se a guarantee of success in exams.”

In this example, “per se” is incorrectly used to imply that studying hard does not inherently guarantee success in exams. However, “per se” should only be used to indicate something that is true or valid in and of itself, independent of other factors. The intended meaning is better conveyed using “necessarily,” which emphasizes the idea that studying hard is not always a guarantee of success in exams. To convey the intended message correctly, try this instead:

• “Studying hard is not necessarily a guarantee of success in exams.”

What are some synonyms for “per se”?

Some synonyms for “per se” include “inherently,” “intrinsically,” “essentially,” “fundamentally,” and “by definition.” These terms convey the idea of something being true or valid in and of itself, regardless of external factors. For example, you could say:

• “The law, per se, does not prohibit this behavior, but it may have unintended consequences.

These synonyms help to emphasize the specific quality or nature of something without making broader statements. If you find yourself overusing the word “per se” in your writing, you can try using these words instead to convey a similar meaning.

When used correctly, “per se” is an effective word to communicate the quality of something in and of itself. Make sure to use the correct spelling of the word and use it appropriately. For more help with common grammar hiccups, malapropisms, editing, and more, learn more writing tips.