How to use "per se"

What Does "per se" Mean?

• What it expresses: isolation, intrinsicality
• What part of the sentence it typically modifies: noun, adjective, or phrase
• Register: formal

How to Use It

• Typical sentence positions: mid position is most natural, but final position is also common. Initial position is rare.
• What it modifies and how it changes the meaning of a sentence: It modifies a preceding word or phrase, indicating that the thing itself, rather than something associated with it, is being referred to. It adds precision and a degree of formality.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can be fronted, though this is unusual. It is frequently used with negation. Its use in questions is rare.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using "per se" in very informal contexts sounds unnatural. Placing it too far from the word or phrase it modifies can also be confusing.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from per se on Ludwig.guru.

"Stock picking per se plays little part." — Forbes

"It's not a comeback per-se." — Vice

"There's never decoration, per se." — The New York Times

"It's not insecurity, per se." — The Guardian - Sport

"Democracy per se is not their priority." — The New York Times

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/per+se

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Depending on the level of formality or the specific situation, you might want to vary your language.

Phrase	Context
in itself	More common and less formal.
by itself	Similar to "in itself," but can sometimes imply a sense of isolation.
intrinsically	More formal and emphasizes an inherent quality.
essentially	Highlights the fundamental nature of something.
as such	A more concise alternative in certain contexts.
in and of itself	Emphasizes independence and self-sufficiency.
strictly speaking	Used to introduce a precise or technical definition.

Common Mistakes

• Using "per se" in informal conversations sounds pretentious.
• Placing "per se" too far away from the word it modifies can create ambiguity.
• Learners often confuse "per se" with similar-sounding phrases or use it in contexts where a simpler adverb like "itself" or "in itself" would be more appropriate and less formal.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
per se	Indicates something considered in isolation	Formal	Mid-sentence, after the modified word or phrase

FAQs

Where in a sentence should "per se" typically appear?

"Per se" most naturally appears in the mid-position of a sentence, directly after the word or phrase it modifies. While it can appear at the end of a sentence, this is less common, and fronting it to the beginning is quite rare and stylistically unusual.

---

How does "per se" differ from "in itself"?

Both "per se" and "in itself" indicate that something is being considered independently. However, "per se" is more formal and often implies a more precise or technical distinction, while "in itself" is more common and versatile in everyday language.

---

How can I avoid misusing "per se"?

Avoid using "per se" in very informal settings. If a simpler phrase like "itself" or "in itself" conveys the meaning adequately and sounds more natural, choose that instead. Always ensure that "per se" is placed close to the word or phrase it modifies to avoid ambiguity.