literally speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literally speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize that what you are about to say is true in the most literal sense, so you can use it when you want to emphasize the accuracy of your statement. For example, "Literally speaking, we've been planning this event for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Obama showed that respect by honoring others' achievements and sometimes by literally speaking their languages.

The New Yorker

"I knew my father wasn't a murderer or torturer, literally speaking.

The New York Times

Literally speaking, of course, we weren't in the tropics or even in the Caribbean.

The New York Times - Travel

His story is told by Nathan Zuckerman, who has, literally speaking, been employed as narrator.

The Guardian - Books

"We've been in the crossfire at home, literally speaking, a couple of years ago".

The New York Times

Literally speaking, not all states allow people under 21 years old to buy a handgun.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

In Philadelphia, he literally spoke the language of U.S. immigration, beginning his Independence Mall speech with "queridos amigos, buenos tardes".

The New Yorker

In Philadelphia, Francis literally spoke the language of U.S. immigration, beginning his Independence Mall speech with an invocation in Spanish.

The New Yorker

His two daughters and three sons grew up in a home where their father, absent much of the year on tour, literally spoke tabla at the dinner table.

The New York Times

Although the stories in her songs are somewhat oblique, her dance troupe acts them all out literally: "Speak Now," a fantasy of a woman interrupting her crush's wedding, is performed on a church set, complete with pews and bridesmaids.

The New Yorker

His products, quite literally, speak for themselves.In this section The tortoise and the hare Big game hunting Nicer at the top Hunting for help Worth every million A foot in the door Problems with the people's car Dr Feelgood ReprintsIf these quaint attitudes put Mr Harman at odds with Wall Street's slick marketing machine, his management ideas seem even more unorthodox.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literally speaking" to clarify that you are using words in their most basic and non-figurative sense. This can prevent misinterpretations, especially when discussing abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "literally speaking" excessively in casual conversation. Overusing it can make your speech sound stilted or overly formal, undermining the intended emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "literally speaking" is that of an adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause or sentence to specify the sense in which something is true, emphasizing that the statement should be taken at face value. Ludwig AI confirms this usage by showcasing examples where it clarifies the intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Science & Research

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literally speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the factual and non-figurative nature of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science and Science & Research, indicating its versatility across different contexts. When using "literally speaking", ensure that it clarifies rather than complicates your writing, and avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Consider alternatives like "strictly speaking" or "in a literal sense" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly speaking

Emphasizes adherence to a precise definition or interpretation.

in a literal sense

Highlights that the statement should be understood at face value, avoiding figurative interpretations.

to be precise

Introduces a more accurate or detailed explanation.

in reality

Contrasts perception with the actual state of affairs.

as a matter of fact

Highlights something as a true and undeniable detail, often surprising.

verbatim

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

by the letter

Stresses adherence to the exact wording or instructions.

in plain terms

Emphasizes simplicity and clarity, avoiding jargon or ambiguity.

factually speaking

Highlights that the statement is based on verifiable information.

in actual fact

Similar to “in reality”, emphasizing the truth despite possible misconceptions.

FAQs

How to use "literally speaking" in a sentence?

You can use "literally speaking" to emphasize that you are using words in their most basic and non-figurative sense. For example, "Literally speaking, the company's profits have doubled this year".

What can I say instead of "literally speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "strictly speaking", "in a literal sense", or "to be precise" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "literally speaking"?

It is appropriate to use "literally speaking" when you want to ensure that your statement is understood in its most basic, non-figurative sense, especially when there's a risk of misinterpretation.

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

"Literally speaking" means that something is true to the exact meaning of the words, while "figuratively speaking" means that something is an exaggeration or metaphor.