Foreign terms and phrases that are so common and have become “part of the English language” do not require italics.

a priori. Based on theory, not empirical observation. “We don’t know a priori how the consumer market will react until we actually test things.”  

ad hominem. Insults against a person and their looks or behavior instead of the logical argument they are holding.  

bona fide. Genuine, real, or carried out in good faith. “It was a bona fide argument.”

carpe diem. Seize the day. “I agree. Live life to the fullest and carpe diem.” 

de facto. In fact, even if not by right, rule, or law. The reality of what’s happening. “The terrorist organization ended up as the de facto government during the times of instability.” 

et cetera. “This, that, that, et cetera.”

in vivo. Performed or taking place in a living organism. “In theory, it works, but in vivo, when we look at society, it doesn’t work.” 

modus operandi. A particular way or method of doing something. “The robber’s modus operandi included…” 

per se. By itself; in itself. “It’s not a bad idea per se, but…” 

pro bono. Undertaken voluntarily and without charge for the public good. “It’s pro bono work…”

quid pro quo. A favor or advantage granted in return for something else. “The quid pro quo offer resulted in their termination.” 

status quo. The existing state of affairs. “That is just the status quo, Bethany…” 

Foreign terms or phrases that DO need italics. 

coup d’état. “We overthrew the corrupt government with a coup d’état.”

de jure. Very similar to de facto (by reaity or fact), but this one is more about the law. “by right, rule, or law.” “The de jure owner refused to back down.” 

habeas corpus. “In today’s day and age, you generally don’t need to file a habeas corpus. The court will make sure to see you.”

inter alia. “The behavior at the meeting, inter alia, gave HR a reason to fire you.” 

lingua franca. English has become the global lingua franca for international business. 

mens rea. “Unless it is a strict liability crime, most crimes require the prosecution to prove mens rea (guilty mind). 

modus vivendi. “Their standstill, or modus vivendi, was necessary because they just never saw eye-to-eye.” 

persona non grata. After being exiled, they were considered a persona non grata. 

zeitgeist. “What do you think is the zeitgeist of today’s world? People want authenticity and grounding, despite hyper-acceleration.” 

This is an except of my book English Studies (2026).