per se

[Allen165]

Should the term "per se" be italicized when used in an academic paper?

Thanks.

[dragn]

I'm not sure if anyone can give you something carved in stone here, but I went to the trouble of checking a number of sources on this. The general consensus seems to be...no. According to the majority (not all, but most) of the sources I checked, there's no need to italicize per se because it has settled into and taken up permanent residence in the English language. Personally, I tend to agree with this because I rarely see it italicized in any sort of writing. Occasionally, but not often.

Sorry I can't give you the Holy Grail here. It appears to be your choice. Based on my brief research, however, I would not. Just be consistent, whichever you choose.

Greg

[BobK]

Do you have to use it at all?

b