literally

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "literally" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize an action that has happened or is happening in a literal way. For example, "I literally just finished cleaning the entire house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is literally the only reason that I decided to watch this trailer.

The Guardian - Film

Watching television and listening to the radio, I soon realised that here was a widely held sentiment: a visceral opposition to what one critic suggested we should literally call "the nanny state".

The Guardian - Opinion

Directly across the street, until the 1980s, there was a café called A la bonne Santé (literally, "to your good health" – santé means health) where the newly freed men would toast their liberty before drinking themselves dead drunk.

The Guardian

The brutality of Isis is increasingly at odds with his own views, which have mellowed with age as he has come to believe that the teachings of the Qur'an can be interpreted and not read literally.

The Guardian

We have become suspicious: of their mawkish advertising, of their treatment of farmers, of their desperate bids to package up things that really don't need packaging up at all (I mean this literally and metaphorically, versions of "restaurant-style" dishes being every bit as phoney and wasteful as apples wrapped in too much plastic).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As PriyankaV wrote: I felt that an important theme of the book was the vantage that flying provided him, both literally and metaphorically – whether it included looking down at the earth and up at the stars or the distance from people that the job entailed.

The Guardian - Books

I am literally incapable of hearing the title of Lionel Shriver's most famous novel – published a full two years before Pietersen had even made his international debut – without thinking of radio phone-ins about Kevin Pietersen.

The Guardian - Sport

Rodric Braithwaite London The claim that the west gave no guarantees against Nato expanding eastwards may be literally true but is nevertheless misleading.

The Guardian

"I kicked that fellow," he says (not meaning it literally).

The Guardian

It was literally my one chance to express myself or to resign myself to a life of drudgery in a factory.

The Guardian

My pride meant I did not admit it was because of a physical problem, and as a result I'm sure there were some who felt I was not pulling my weight – but the problem was, I literally couldn't any more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literally" to add emphasis to a statement that is factually true and not figurative. Ensure the context supports a non-metaphorical interpretation to avoid miscommunication.

Common error

Avoid using "literally" solely as an intensifier for figurative statements, as this can dilute its original meaning and undermine the accuracy of your writing. Consider using stronger, more appropriate adverbs like "absolutely" or "completely" when emphasis is needed.

How to use

Learn how to use "literally" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The word "literally" functions primarily as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that a statement should be understood in its exact and non-metaphorical sense. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the truth and accuracy of a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "literally" is a versatile term primarily used to emphasize the factual accuracy of a statement, ensuring it is understood in its non-figurative sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to clarify and prevent misinterpretations. While highly frequent in news and media, its overuse as a mere intensifier should be avoided, especially in formal writing. By understanding its correct usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively leverage "literally" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually

Indicates that something is true in fact, often contrasting with what might be expected.

really

A common adverb used to emphasize a statement or express surprise.

in reality

Emphasizes the true state of affairs, often in contrast to appearance or belief.

in fact

Used to introduce a statement of fact, often adding emphasis or correction.

verbatim

Indicates that something is quoted or repeated exactly as it was originally said or written.

precisely

Emphasizes exactness or accuracy in a statement.

genuinely

Indicates that something is truly and sincerely the case.

absolutely

Emphasizes certainty or completeness.

completely

Indicates that something is entirely or fully the case.

expressly

States something in a clear and direct manner, leaving no room for ambiguity.

FAQs

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

Use "literally" to emphasize that something is actually true and not an exaggeration or metaphor. For example, "The building literally shook during the earthquake."

What are some alternatives to using "literally"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "actually", "really", or "in fact" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "literally" as an intensifier?

While it's a common trend, using "literally" as a mere intensifier is often criticized because it contradicts the word's original meaning. It's more accurate to use words like "absolutely" or "completely" instead.

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

"Literally" means something is true to the actual meaning of the words, while "figuratively" means something is not meant to be taken in a strict, real sense. For instance, "I was literally jumping for joy" means you were physically jumping, whereas "I was figuratively jumping for joy" means you were extremely happy but not physically jumping.