literally correct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literally correct" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to emphasize that something is true in a strict, non-figurative sense. For example, "The instructions were literally correct, leading us to the right location." Alternative expressions include "factually accurate" and "exactly true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Political correctness be damned, we have to stay with what is literally correct," Kotto said during the interview.

Huffington Post

Biblical creationists believe that the story told in Genesis of God's six-day creation of all things is literally correct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Eastern Christianity, the theologian St. John of Damascus popularized the term orthodoxy (literally "correct views") to connote the sum of Christian truth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This makes his statement questionable on grounds of context more than a statistic which is literally correct but contextually irrelevant and misleading.

The Guardian - Opinion

That may be literally correct, but both Mr. Bush and his aides made it clear many times that they believed Mr. Hussein already had unconventional weapons.

The New York Times

Ms. Moses said she often saw students type in a word and get translations that were literally correct, yet wrong for the context.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The by-now-familiar refrain that Mr. Bush has not yet made any decisions about Iraq may literally be correct, in the sense that he may not yet have approved a war plan, but it smacks of the semantic games that administrations often play to disguise very real preparations for war.

The New York Times

Don't even bother googling that because I'm telling you and it's literally so correct it's ridiculous.

Vice

Literally, right through him.

The New York Times

Literally, right?

Forbes

There is literally only one correct answer to this meme: eagles and hunter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literally correct" to underscore that a statement is true in its most basic and factual sense, especially when there might be a temptation to interpret it figuratively or loosely.

Common error

Don't use "literally correct" simply as an intensifier. It should only be used when you want to emphasize factual accuracy, not just to add weight to a statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literally correct" functions as an adverbial modifier enhancing an adjective. As evidenced in Ludwig, it emphasizes that something is accurate in its most basic and factual sense, excluding figurative interpretations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "literally correct" is used to emphasize that a statement is accurate in its most basic, factual sense. As Ludwig shows, it appears commonly in "News & Media", "Encyclopedias", and "Science" contexts, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that it genuinely highlights factual accuracy rather than serving as a mere intensifier. Alternatives such as "factually accurate" or "strictly accurate" may be more appropriate depending on the context. While the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and applicability of this phrase in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factually accurate

Focuses on the accuracy of the facts involved, rather than the interpretation.

strictly accurate

Highlights that the accuracy is held to a high standard of precision.

precisely accurate

Emphasizes the exactness and correctness without any deviation.

technically correct

Suggests accuracy from a technical or legal point of view, possibly missing the broader picture.

verifiably true

Indicates the accuracy can be confirmed or proven with evidence.

unquestionably accurate

Implies that the accuracy is so high there's no room for doubt.

unambiguously correct

Shows that there's only one way to interpret the correctness, leaving no doubt.

demonstrably accurate

Implies the accuracy is proven through clear evidence or demonstration.

in the strictest sense

Highlights that the accuracy is true when considering the definition in its narrowest form.

to the letter

Means adhering exactly to the explicit details, showing no deviation from the prescribed or expected form.

FAQs

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

Use "literally correct" to emphasize that a statement is accurate in the most direct and factual sense, leaving no room for figurative interpretation. For example, "The map was "literally correct", guiding us precisely to the destination".

What's the difference between "literally correct" and "technically correct"?

"Literally correct" means something is accurate in its most basic and factual sense. "Technically correct" implies accuracy from a specific, often narrow or legalistic perspective, potentially missing the broader context.

Is it redundant to say "literally correct"?

While "correct" often implies literal accuracy, using "literally correct" can be useful to preempt potential misinterpretations or emphasize the factual basis of a statement, adding clarity and precision.

When should I avoid using "literally correct"?

Avoid using "literally correct" when the context already clearly implies factual accuracy or when you're simply trying to add emphasis without a specific need to highlight literal truth. Overuse can make your writing sound pedantic.