are not literally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not literally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when clarifying that something should not be taken in its literal sense, often in discussions about figurative language or expressions. Example: "When I say it's raining cats and dogs, I mean it is raining heavily; the words are not literally true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

But we also often make statements that are not literally true — that are in fact literal lies — while conveying a deeper truth that an honest statement of the facts could not communicate.

The New Yorker

The works in this evocative exhibition are not literally but only apparently damaged.

The New York Times - Arts

They are not literally true descriptions of the world, but they are true in a certain well-known story.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People say lots of things that are not literally true, because these things serve some kind of social function.

The Economist

Fictionalists then argue that it is not a bad thing that mathematical sentences are not literally true.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Used by retailers to make their merchandise seem classier, although the items in question are not literally made to order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

We aren't literally suffering deflation (yet).

The New York Times

The models clearly aren't literally true, and in no sense are you testing your theory.

The New York Times

So Mr. Romney's claims about the Obama job record aren't literally false, but they are deeply misleading.

The New York Times

You aren't literally borrowing money when you are long a bond future.

Forbes

They aren't literally President Obama's neighbors -- he doesn't see them.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not literally" to clarify when a statement could be misinterpreted in its most basic, factual sense, especially when employing figurative language.

Common error

Avoid using "are not literally" in technical contexts where precision is paramount. Opt for more specific and accurate phrasing instead of relying on disclaimers of literal truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not literally" functions as a disclaimer or qualifier. It's used to indicate that a statement should not be interpreted in its strict, factual sense, often because it's a metaphor, idiom, or exaggeration. Ludwig shows many examples of it being used to clarify potentially misleading statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not literally" serves as a crucial tool for clarifying statements that could be misunderstood if taken at face value. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts like news, encyclopedias, and science, emphasizing its role in preventing misinterpretations and guiding audiences to the intended meaning. Given its grammatical correctness and presence in authoritative sources, employing "are not literally" remains a reliable strategy for ensuring clarity in both formal and informal communication. Ludwig AI correctly identifies it as a valid phrase used to prevent misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should not be taken literally

Emphasizes the interpretation rather than the truth value.

not meant to be understood literally

Highlights the speaker's intention in using the phrase.

figuratively speaking

Introduces a statement that is intended to be understood figuratively.

not strictly speaking

Indicates that a statement is generally true, but may not be precise.

in a metaphorical sense

Specifies that the statement is a metaphor.

not in the precise sense

Highlights a lack of exactness.

it's just an expression

Indicates that the statement is a common idiom.

more of a figure of speech

Highlights the rhetorical nature of the statement.

not to be interpreted verbatim

Warns against a word-for-word understanding.

only figuratively true

Specifies that the only valid interpretation is non-literal.

FAQs

How can I use "are not literally" in a sentence?

Use "are not literally" to indicate that something should not be understood in its strict, factual sense. For example, "The characters in the play "are not actually" the same as their literary inspirations, but derived from them."

What is a good alternative to "are not literally"?

Alternatives include "should not be taken literally", "figuratively speaking", or "not strictly speaking", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are not literally"?

Use it when you need to clarify that a statement is intended to be understood metaphorically, figuratively, or in a non-factual way. This helps prevent misinterpretations.

Is it redundant to say "are not literally true"?

While "are not literally true" can emphasize the distinction, it might be slightly redundant. "Are not literally" often implies a lack of literal truth, so adding "true" may not always be necessary.