literally like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literally like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is exactly as described or to express disbelief about a situation. Example: "When she said she saw a unicorn in her backyard, I thought she was joking, but she insisted it was literally like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Literally like that.

Vice

I mean it is literally like that at the moment," she said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They got the fax of the photos on the other end and literally they liked that one shot so much they put it on the album cover as a fax.

The New York Times

Painter's Table isn't literally meaty like that.

Independent

"I like that literally anyone can wear one," Ms. Vallo said.

The New York Times

It was literally like, "Oh, that was so fun; oh, that was so cute; oh my God, there you were, Slam!" .

Huffington Post

"David was so charming about it and made me feel completely at ease that I was literally like, 'He's so adorable, and he took the nervousness out of the moment.' That's why I fell in love with him.

The New York Times

It literally felt like that girl didn't exist anymore".

The New York Times

Jesus Christ, I'm sorry, man.' It literally ends like that, if you let it.

Huffington Post

It's literally like stuff that you could expect to hear when walking into heaven after you die.

The Guardian - Music

This ruling raises a ton of questions like that across literally thousands of patents.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literally like that" to emphasize the accuracy of a comparison or description, ensuring the context warrants the literal interpretation. Avoid overuse to maintain impact.

Common error

Avoid using "literally like that" when you mean figuratively or metaphorically. Using "literally" incorrectly weakens your statement and can confuse readers. If there is figurative use, it is better to avoid the word "literally" at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literally like that" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, providing emphasis on the accuracy of a comparison. As Ludwig AI suggests, it confirms that something is exactly as described, not an approximation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Vice

17%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

The Guardian - Music

1%

The New York Times - Books

1%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "literally like that" is used to emphasize the accuracy of a comparison or description, confirming that something is precisely as stated. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it's most common in news and media contexts, it's important to use it correctly, avoiding figurative interpretations. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "exactly like that" or "precisely like that" might be more appropriate. Misuse of "literally" is a common error to avoid. Ultimately, ensure the context supports a literal interpretation to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly like that

Emphasizes perfect resemblance or agreement; more formal.

precisely like that

Highlights accuracy and detail in the comparison; more formal.

just like that

Indicates suddenness or ease in achieving something similar.

in that exact manner

Emphasizes formality and precision in replicating an action or situation.

identically like that

Focuses on the lack of any difference; slightly more rigid.

verbatim like that

Highlights that something is repeated in the exact same words; specific to quotations or reproductions.

absolutely like that

Adds emphasis to the similarity; slightly less formal.

specifically like that

Focuses on detail and intentional replication.

unquestionably like that

Highlights undeniable resemblance.

truly like that

Focuses on genuineness.

FAQs

How can I use "literally like that" in a sentence?

Use "literally like that" to emphasize that something is exactly as described, not a metaphor or exaggeration. For example, "The explosion sounded "literally like that", as if a bomb went off next door".

What's a more formal alternative to "literally like that"?

For a more formal tone, consider "exactly like that" or "precisely like that". These alternatives offer the same level of emphasis but in a more professional manner.

Is it correct to use "literally" when I mean "figuratively"?

No, using "literally" to mean "figuratively" is generally considered incorrect, although it's a common misuse. It's best to reserve "literally" for situations that are actually true to the word.

What's the difference between "literally like that" and "just like that"?

"Literally like that" emphasizes the accuracy of a comparison, while "just like that" implies something happened quickly or easily. For example, "The problem disappeared "just like that"", versus "The scene was "literally like that" movie scene".