literally saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literally saying" is not grammatically correct or commonly used in written English.
Instead, you can say "literally speaking" or "actually saying" to convey the intended meaning. Example: The president's speech was so impactful that I felt like he was literally speaking to me.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Some fanatics are literally saying they want my neck.

The New Yorker

If they're literally saying what's going on, then you're in trouble".

The New York Times

The allies that I talked to were literally saying, "Let's get ready to turn the lights out".

The New York Times

But of course I am not literally saying Gayle "stole Stanford's woman".

The Guardian - Sport

I wasn't literally saying that, because it really wasn't the case at the time!

The Guardian

Justice Edward Morgan also advised against taking the oath literally, saying it symbolised allegiance to an "equality-protecting Canadian institution".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Literally" says Nick Jones.

The Guardian - Sport

"People literally said: 'Where are you?

The New York Times

He literally said 'Boop' when he did it.

Independent

"I literally said, 'Sir, are you kidding?' " Ms. Rodriguez recalled.

The New York Times

So I just literally say whatever I want.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context in which you use "literally saying". While prevalent in informal settings, it may not be appropriate for professional or scholarly communication.

Common error

Avoid using "literally saying" in formal writing where precision and adherence to grammatical norms are crucial. Substitute it with more grammatically sound alternatives like "explicitly stating" or "directly expressing" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literally saying" functions as a verbal modifier, aiming to emphasize the authenticity or exactness of a statement. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting that it's a non-standard usage. Despite this, it appears frequently in various contexts, indicating its role in conveying emphasis or surprise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "literally saying" is commonly used to emphasize the exactness of a statement. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting that more precise alternatives should be considered, particularly in formal writing. While prevalent in news and media sources, opting for alternatives like "actually stating" or "explicitly declaring" can enhance clarity and grammatical correctness. Understanding the nuances of register and context is crucial when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually stating

Replaces "saying" with "stating" to emphasize a more formal or direct expression.

explicitly declaring

Emphasizes the clarity and directness of the statement.

directly expressing

Focuses on the act of conveying a thought or feeling without intermediaries.

verbatim quoting

Highlights the exact repetition of words.

precisely articulating

Indicates a high degree of accuracy and clarity in the expression.

genuinely asserting

Highlights the sincerity and confidence behind the statement.

unequivocally affirming

Focuses on the unambiguous nature of the statement.

plainly remarking

Indicates a simple and straightforward observation.

openly voicing

Emphasizes the public nature of the statement.

bluntly conveying

Suggests a direct and possibly insensitive manner of speaking.

FAQs

Is "literally saying" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal speech, "literally saying" is often considered grammatically incorrect. Alternatives like "literally speaking" or "actually saying" are generally preferred in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "literally saying"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "explicitly stating", "directly expressing", or "verbatim quoting" as alternatives to "literally saying".

When is it appropriate to use "literally saying"?

"Literally saying" is more suitable for informal conversations or casual writing. In formal contexts, opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives.

How can I improve my writing by avoiding "literally saying"?

Focus on using more precise verbs and adverbs to convey your intended meaning. For instance, instead of "literally saying", consider phrases like "genuinely asserting" or "unequivocally affirming" to add clarity and sophistication to your writing.