per se

USAGE SUMMARY

"per se" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "by or in itself" or "intrinsically." For example, "She wasn't a great singer per se, but she had a lot of charisma on stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Stock picking per se plays little part.

Forbes

Per Se Hey!

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing, per se.

The New York Times

There's never decoration, per se.

The New York Times

It's per se just terrible".

The New York Times

It's not insecurity, per se.

The Guardian - Sport

"Don't dislike him, per se.

The Guardian - Books

Not the gayness per se.

The New York Times

It's not Twitter per se.

The Guardian - Books

A.: No, not per se.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not a comeback per-se.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "per se" to precisely isolate and emphasize a specific aspect or quality of a subject, excluding external factors for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "per se" when you intend to address something holistically, as it is meant to narrow the focus, not broaden it.

How to use

Learn how to use "per se" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "per se" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement by specifying that it is limited to the thing itself, without consideration of external factors. Ludwig's examples illustrate this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "per se" is a valuable tool for precise communication, signifying that something is being considered in isolation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various writing styles, although it leans towards formal and neutral contexts. Remember to use "per se" when you want to emphasize the inherent nature of something, excluding related factors. Its many synonyms, such as ""in itself"" or "intrinsically", offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in itself

Emphasizes the intrinsic nature of something, similar to "per se", but with a slightly simpler structure.

by itself

Highlights the isolated state of something, akin to considering something "per se" without extraneous influences.

intrinsically

Focuses on the inherent quality of something, like "per se", but as an adverb describing a characteristic.

in its own right

Stresses the independent value or importance of something, aligning with the sense of "per se".

as such

Indicates something is being considered in its defined form, mirroring the "per se" exclusion of external factors.

in and of itself

An emphatic form of "in itself", reinforcing the focus on intrinsic qualities similar to "per se".

as it stands

Highlights the current state of something, considered without changes or additions, akin to "per se".

on its own merits

Focuses on evaluating something based solely on its inherent qualities, resembling the core idea of "per se".

without considering other factors

Explicitly states the exclusion of external influences, mirroring the function of "per se".

strictly speaking

Highlights a precise and limited interpretation, similar to the focused consideration of "per se".

FAQs

How can I use "per se" in a sentence?

Use "per se" to indicate that you are referring to something in its purest form, without considering related or external factors. For example, "The movie wasn't enjoyable "per se", but the soundtrack was excellent."

What does "per se" actually mean?

"Per se" means "by itself" or "in itself". It's used to single out a specific aspect of something, disregarding other elements. For example, "The problem isn't the technology "in itself", but how it's being applied."

Is "per se" formal or informal?

"Per se" is generally considered a formal term. While it can be used in neutral contexts, it's more commonly found in academic, legal, or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "in itself" or "by itself" for less formal situations.

What are some common synonyms for "per se"?

Some common synonyms for "per se" include "intrinsically", "in its own right", and "as such". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.