literally true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'literally true' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is actually true and not an exaggeration. For example, "My professor said I was the best student she had ever had, and it was literally true!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Literally, true).

The New York Times

That's literally true.

The New Yorker

It's not literally true.

The New Yorker

Also literally true – and misleading.

The New York Times

That is not literally true.

The New York Times

This was often literally true.

The New York Times

Now it's just literally true.

The New Yorker

Too often, this is still literally true.

The Economist

In many cases, this is literally true.

The Economist

Only in Mantua is that literally true.

The Guardian - Travel

Neither statement is literally true, of course.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literally true" to emphasize that a statement should be taken at face value, without assuming exaggeration or metaphor. This clarifies your intended meaning and avoids potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "literally true" when a simple "true" would suffice. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound redundant. Reserve it for situations where there's a real risk of misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literally true" functions as an intensifier and clarifier. It emphasizes the veracity of a statement, ensuring it is understood as factual and not figurative. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights that something is not an exaggeration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "literally true" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the accuracy of a statement and prevent misinterpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While useful for clarifying meaning, overuse can dilute its impact. Related phrases include "factually correct" and "precisely accurate". Remember to reserve "literally true" for situations where emphasis on factual accuracy is genuinely needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factually correct

Substitutes "literally" with "factually", highlighting that the statement aligns with known facts.

precisely accurate

Replaces "literally" with "precisely", stressing exactness and attention to detail.

verifiably accurate

Replaces "literally" with "verifiably" and "true" with "accurate", focusing on provable correctness.

actually the case

Rephrases the concept as a statement of reality, emphasizing that something is genuinely happening or correct.

genuinely the truth

Emphasizes authenticity and veracity.

demonstrably accurate

Suggests that the accuracy of the statement can be shown or proven.

accurate without exaggeration

Emphasizes the lack of hyperbole, clarifying that the statement is precise and not overstated.

undeniably true

Focuses on the incontrovertible nature of the truth, indicating that it cannot be disputed.

objectively verifiable

Highlights that the statement can be confirmed through objective evidence, rather than subjective opinion.

in reality

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the actual state of affairs.

FAQs

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

You can use "literally true" to emphasize that a statement is accurate and not an exaggeration. For example, "The news report was "factually correct"; it was literally true."

What is a good alternative to "literally true"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "absolutely true", "factually correct", or "precisely accurate".

Is it redundant to say "literally true"?

While "literally" emphasizes the truth, using "literally true" can sometimes be redundant if the context already implies accuracy. Consider whether the "literally" adds necessary emphasis or if a simpler "simply true" would suffice.

When should I use "literally true" instead of just "true"?

Use "literally true" when there's a possibility that the statement might be interpreted metaphorically or hyperbolically. It clarifies that you intend the statement to be understood "without exaggeration".