literary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "literary" is correct in written English.
You can use it when referring to something related to books and literature, such as a literary bookclub or a literary journal. For example: "The library hosts a weekly literary bookclub where participants can discuss and debate classic novels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It tells the story of Joe Alston, a retired literary agent who feels that "he has gone downstream like a stick, getting hung up in eddies and getting flushed out again, only half understanding what he floated past, and understanding less with every year.

The Guardian - Books

When appointed literary executor, Clapp was instructed by Carter simply to "make money for my boys" (her son and her second husband Mark Pearce).

The Guardian - Books

Further practical and philosophical advice will be given about the discipline, ethos, and challenges of writing and the literary industry.

The Guardian

Help us to celebrate women's literary achievements by adding your favourite books written by women in the comments below – as well as the story of how it earned a place on your shelves.

The Guardian - Books

A superb work of literary Modernism and as tough and fascinating a work on addiction as anything by Burroughs or Buckowski.

The Guardian - Books

Each student will be given the opportunity to talk about their desires and fears and their past writing experience (if it applies), and their literary tastes.

The Guardian

The idea is to open the group up to each other's literary tastes and to widen the reading beyond the tutor's choices.

The Guardian

Raine is a long-time friend and literary associate of Reid, going back long before they both emerged on the literary scene in the late 70s, spearheading the "Martian" poetry movement by which the familiar world was seen afresh through striking metaphors and images.

The Guardian

The two authors heavily tipped to take this year's most coveted and dreaded literary prize have failed to make the shortlist.

The Guardian - Books

But to make the most of this literary revolution, you'll need to know how the medium and the market work.

The Guardian

At first, Naipaul's literary agent (soon to be fired) judged the book too "cerebral" and, as the author sourly notes, "a year's work fetched only $25,000".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a person skilled in writing, ensure the context aligns with artistic or intellectual aspects, not merely the technical skill.

Common error

Avoid using "literary" to describe everyday writing or speech; reserve it for contexts where artistic merit or connection to literature is significant.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "literary" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a connection to literature, writing, or the arts. Ludwig AI confirms its conventional use in contexts related to books and creative writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literary" is an adjective used to describe something related to literature, writing, or the arts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. It is important to reserve "literary" for contexts where artistic merit or a connection to literature is significant. While alternatives like "bookish" or "scholarly" exist, "literary" is the most direct way to describe something of or relating to literature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bookish

Focuses more on the personal enjoyment of books and knowledge.

lettered

Suggests a high degree of education and familiarity with literature.

scholarly

Emphasizes academic rigor and research.

erudite

Implies deep and extensive learning.

written

Highlights the act of writing, rather than the artistic quality.

academic

Relates specifically to formal education and scholarly work.

cultured

Refers to a broad appreciation of the arts and intellectual pursuits.

intellectual

Focuses on mental activity and reasoning.

artistic

Highlights creative expression and aesthetic value.

pedantic

Suggests an excessive concern with minor details and rules in learning or displaying academic knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "literary" in a sentence?

You can use "literary" to describe something related to literature, such as a "literary" analysis of a novel, or a "literary" magazine featuring new writers.

What are some synonyms for "literary"?

Synonyms for "literary" include "bookish", "scholarly", and "artistic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "literary" versus "written"?

"Literary" is used when referring to the artistic or intellectual qualities of writing, while "written" simply refers to the act of writing itself. For example, a "literary" work is valued for its artistic merit, while a "written" document is simply something that has been recorded in writing.

What is a "literary" agent?

A "literary" agent is a professional who represents writers and their written works, helping them to sell their books, articles, or other writings to publishers and other media outlets.