literally stated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literally stated" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something was said or written exactly as it was expressed. Example: "The contract, as literally stated, clearly outlines the terms and conditions of our agreement." In this sentence, the phrase "literally stated" emphasizes that the contract was written word-for-word without any changes or interpretations. This can be used in legal or formal writing to emphasize the exactness of a statement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Its purpose – and this has been literally stated – is to explore the intersection of biology and physical sciences.

The Guardian - Tech

He talks of a rapper who "literally stated in the casting announcement [for his music video] that no dark-skinned women need apply for the audition".

The Guardian

An algorithm would have to not only use text mining to find out the composition of the fragments, but also further interpret the label and other contextual clues in order to determine that the intended connectivity is quite different to what is literally stated.

Journal of Cheminformatics

"There's a rapper, I've forgotten his name, he just did a video recently and on the call sheet for auditions, he literally stated "no dark-skinned women need apply".

Huffington Post

Where the medical professional who gave cause for the complaint was concerned, many patients (89%) expected to hear an admission of the error if an error had been made (as was literally stated in the questionnaire).

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Steve Brown the best of VICE, delivered to your inbox daily.

Vice

David Mirkin recently confirmed on Twitter that the line was meant to be taken literally, stating "We weren't writing Ralph as capable of metaphor".

Wikipedia

Nurses literally states that traditional healers need to be educated as they also give patients medications and nurses do call for formal referral.

BMC Health Services Research

A good title for a story is never a title that literally states the plot.

WikiHow

The word haal means, literally, state, as in a state of being and can imply one of a number of different states.

The Guardian - Sport

Helen Mirren stars as Sarah Winchester, a colossally wealthy woman who maintains her mansion in San Jose, California, in a constant (literally) state of construction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literally stated" to emphasize the exact wording or expression used, especially when precision is important, such as in legal documents or formal agreements.

Common error

Avoid using "literally stated" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler expression would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literally stated" functions as an adverbial modifier to emphasize the exactness and precision of a statement. It clarifies that the information being presented is not an interpretation, but a direct quote or reflection of the original wording. Ludwig confirms this correct use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "literally stated" is a grammatically correct construction used to emphasize the precision and verbatim nature of a statement. According to Ludwig, it highlights that something was communicated exactly as it was expressed, without interpretation. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears more frequently in news and scientific contexts where accuracy is paramount. When using "literally stated", ensure it aligns with the formal tone of the communication and serves a genuine purpose of clarifying exact wording, avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly mentioned

Focuses on the clarity and absence of ambiguity in the statement.

expressly declared

Highlights the act of formally and clearly communicating something.

clearly articulated

Emphasizes the coherence and comprehensibility of the statement.

specifically indicated

Stresses the precision and lack of generality in the information given.

precisely worded

Highlights the exact choice of words used in the statement.

definitively asserted

Emphasizes the firmness and conviction behind the statement.

unambiguously stated

Focuses on the lack of potential for misinterpretation.

directly expressed

Indicates a lack of intermediaries or indirectness in the communication.

verbatim quote

Emphasizes the use of the exact words spoken or written.

in plain language

Highlights the use of simple and easy-to-understand terms.

FAQs

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

You can use "literally stated" to emphasize that something was said or written exactly as it appears, without interpretation. For example, "The contract, as "literally stated", outlines the payment terms".

What is a good alternative to "literally stated"?

Alternatives include "explicitly mentioned", "expressly declared", or "clearly articulated", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "literally stated"?

While "literally" can sometimes be misused, using "literally stated" emphasizes that you are referring to the exact words used, not an interpretation or summary. It underscores the precision of the statement.

What's the difference between "literally stated" and "implied"?

"Literally stated" refers to what is directly and explicitly said, while "implied" refers to something that is suggested but not directly expressed. They are contrasting concepts.