but literally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but literally" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize that something is true in a very strict or exact sense, especially when contrasting with a figurative or exaggerated statement. Example: "I was so tired that I could literally fall asleep standing up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But literally all kinds.

The New York Times

Not metaphorically, but literally.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Close, but (literally) no cigar.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Obviously it crosses your mind, but literally for a second.

Independent

Oh, he gets a mention – but literally only a mention.

The Guardian - Opinion

But literally and figuratively, Cyril isn't out of the woods just yet.

The New York Times

It is a work of art — not just figuratively, but literally.

The New York Times - Arts

"Not just the lives of those brave warriors, but literally the presidency.

The New York Times

"But literally, within a day, immunized children began coming in with whooping cough," he added.

The New York Times

But it is also a Dadaist joke: television as the hearth, not just metaphorically but literally.

The New York Times - Arts

Even worse, it is now sinking, not just fiscally but literally -- into the ocean.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but literally" to highlight a statement's factual accuracy, particularly when contrasting it with a figurative or metaphorical interpretation. This adds emphasis and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "but literally" in every sentence, as it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Reserve it for situations where you genuinely want to emphasize the non-figurative nature of a statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but literally" functions as an intensifier, used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement, especially when contrasting it with a figurative or metaphorical interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but literally" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the factual nature of a statement, especially when contrasting it with a figurative interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "but actually" or "but in fact". The phrase's function is to provide clarity and highlight the reality of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but actually

Emphasizes the truth of a statement, often in contrast to a prior assumption.

but in fact

Highlights a statement of truth, often surprising or contrary to expectation.

but really

Underscores the genuineness of a situation or feeling.

but indeed

Affirms the truth or correctness of a previous statement, adding emphasis.

but veritably

Stresses the truth or factual basis of something, though less common in modern usage.

but truthfully

Emphasizes honesty and accuracy in a statement.

but genuinely

Highlights the authentic nature of something.

but precisely

Indicates exactness and accuracy, reinforcing the statement's validity.

but to be exact

Introduces a more accurate or detailed version of a previous statement.

but in reality

Contrasts an idealized or expected scenario with the actual state of affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "but literally" in a sentence?

Use "but literally" to emphasize that something is true in a strict or exact sense, especially when contrasting it with a figurative interpretation. For example, "I was so tired that I could "literally fall asleep" standing up".

What's the difference between "but literally" and "but figuratively"?

"But literally" emphasizes the factual and non-metaphorical nature of a statement. In contrast, "but figuratively" indicates that the statement should be understood in a symbolic or metaphorical sense.

Are there alternatives to using "but literally"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "but actually", "but in fact", or "but really" to convey a similar sense of emphasis and truthfulness.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but literally"?

While it's generally acceptable to start a sentence with "but", adding "literally" might sound slightly informal. Ensure the context is appropriate and that it effectively emphasizes the factual aspect of your statement.