Common Mistakes When Using ‘literally’ in a Sentence
The most common mistake when using “literally” is employing it as an intensifier for figurative statements, which directly contradicts its core meaning of “in a literal sense” or “exactly as stated.” This misuse has become so widespread that many dictionaries now include the figurative definition, but for careful English learners and writers, understanding the original meaning is essential for clear, precise communication. This guide explains how to use “literally” correctly, highlights frequent errors, and provides practical alternatives for everyday writing and conversation.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘literally’ Correctly
Use “literally” only when something is factually true without exaggeration. For example: “The instructions literally said to turn left at the second light.” If you mean to emphasize a feeling or describe something figuratively, choose a different word like “figuratively,” “virtually,” “almost,” or simply remove the word entirely. In informal conversation, many native speakers use “literally” as an intensifier, but in formal writing, emails, or academic contexts, stick to the literal meaning to avoid confusion.
What Does ‘literally’ Actually Mean?
The word “literally” comes from the Latin “littera,” meaning “letter.” Its traditional definition is “in a literal manner or sense; exactly.” When you say something happened literally, you mean it happened exactly as described, with no metaphor or exaggeration.
For example:
- Correct: “She literally ran five miles this morning.” (She actually ran five miles.)
- Incorrect: “I literally died laughing.” (You did not actually die.)
In the second example, the speaker is using “literally” to add emphasis to a figurative expression. This is the most common mistake English learners and even native speakers make.
Common Mistakes with ‘literally’
Mistake 1: Using ‘literally’ with Figurative Language
This is by far the most frequent error. People use “literally” to intensify a statement that is not true in a factual sense.
Wrong: “I was literally starving after the meeting.”
Right: “I was very hungry after the meeting.” or “I was figuratively starving after the meeting.”
Wrong: “He literally broke the internet with that post.”
Right: “His post went viral and caused a lot of online discussion.”
Mistake 2: Using ‘literally’ for Emotional Emphasis
Many speakers use “literally” to show strong emotion, but this often creates a contradiction.
Wrong: “I literally have a million things to do today.”
Right: “I have a huge number of tasks to complete today.”
Wrong: “My bag literally weighs a ton.”
Right: “My bag is extremely heavy.”
Mistake 3: Using ‘literally’ in Formal Writing Incorrectly
In formal emails, academic papers, or business reports, using “literally” for emphasis can damage your credibility. Readers expect precise language in these contexts.
Wrong (formal email): “We literally had no choice but to change the deadline.”
Right (formal email): “We had no viable alternative but to change the deadline.”
Comparison Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
| Incorrect Usage | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| “I literally cried for hours.” (if you didn’t actually cry) | Contradicts the literal meaning | “I felt like crying for hours.” or “I cried for hours.” (if true) |
| “This is literally the best pizza ever.” | Cannot be factually verified | “This is the best pizza I have ever tasted.” |
| “He literally flew out of the room.” | He did not actually fly | “He rushed out of the room quickly.” |
| “I literally know nothing about this.” | Usually an exaggeration | “I know very little about this.” |
| “The meeting literally lasted forever.” | Meetings have a finite duration | “The meeting felt very long.” |
Natural Examples of Correct Usage
Here are examples of “literally” used correctly in everyday situations:
- “The recipe literally says to add two cups of flour, not three.”
- “She literally walked into the wrong classroom by mistake.”
- “The temperature literally reached 40 degrees Celsius yesterday.”
- “He literally read the entire book in one night.”
- “The sign literally said ‘No Entry,’ but he went in anyway.”
In each of these examples, the statement can be verified as factually true. There is no exaggeration or figurative language.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake: Overusing ‘literally’ in Conversation
Even when used correctly, overusing “literally” can make your speech sound repetitive or less impactful. Reserve it for moments when you need to emphasize that something is exactly true.
Overused: “I literally saw him at the store. He literally bought the same shoes. I literally couldn’t believe it.”
Better: “I saw him at the store. He bought the same shoes. I was surprised.”
Mistake: Confusing ‘literally’ with ‘figuratively’
These two words are opposites. “Figuratively” means “in a metaphorical sense.” If you mean to say something is not literally true, use “figuratively” or rephrase.
Confused: “I literally jumped out of my skin when the phone rang.”
Clear: “I was so startled by the phone that I jumped.” or “I figuratively jumped out of my skin.”
Better Alternatives to ‘literally’
When you want to emphasize a point without misusing “literally,” consider these alternatives based on context:
- For emphasis: “very,” “extremely,” “incredibly,” “remarkably”
- For accuracy: “exactly,” “precisely,” “actually,” “truly”
- For figurative meaning: “figuratively,” “virtually,” “almost,” “practically”
- For strong feeling: “honestly,” “sincerely,” “genuinely”
Example comparison:
– “I literally died of embarrassment.” (incorrect)
– “I was incredibly embarrassed.” (better)
– “I was genuinely embarrassed.” (also good, shows sincerity)
When to Use ‘literally’ (and When to Avoid It)
Use ‘literally’ when:
- You are stating a fact that can be proven true.
- You want to emphasize that something happened exactly as described.
- You are writing formal documents, academic papers, or professional emails.
- You need to clarify that you are not using figurative language.
Avoid ‘literally’ when:
- You are exaggerating or using hyperbole.
- You want to express strong emotion in a figurative way.
- You are speaking informally and want to avoid sounding pretentious.
- You are unsure if the statement is factually accurate.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
In informal conversation, many native speakers use “literally” as an intensifier without thinking about its original meaning. This is widely accepted in casual speech. However, in formal writing, emails to colleagues or clients, academic work, or any professional context, you should use “literally” only in its traditional sense.
Informal (acceptable in conversation): “I literally have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Formal (preferred in writing): “I do not understand what you are referring to.”
If you are writing an email to a manager or a professor, avoid using “literally” for emphasis. Instead, choose precise language that clearly communicates your meaning.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Decide whether each sentence uses “literally” correctly. Write “Correct” or “Incorrect” for each, then check the answers below.
- “The instructions literally said to press the red button.”
- “I literally have a ton of homework tonight.”
- “She literally ran a marathon last weekend.”
- “He literally exploded with anger when he heard the news.”
Answers:
- Correct – If the instructions actually said that, it is literal.
- Incorrect – “A ton” is an exaggeration unless you have 2,000 pounds of homework.
- Correct – If she actually ran a marathon, this is accurate.
- Incorrect – People do not literally explode. This is figurative.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it ever acceptable to use ‘literally’ for emphasis?
In informal conversation, many native speakers do this, and it is widely understood. However, in formal writing, professional emails, or academic contexts, it is better to use “literally” only when you mean “exactly” or “in a literal sense.” If you want emphasis, choose a different word like “very” or “extremely.”
2. What is the opposite of ‘literally’?
The direct opposite is “figuratively.” If something is not literally true, it is figurative. For example: “He literally ran five miles” (true) vs. “He figuratively ran a marathon” (meaning he did a lot of work, not actual running).
3. Can I use ‘literally’ in academic writing?
Yes, but only when you mean “exactly as stated.” For example: “The data literally show a 10% increase in sales.” This is precise and appropriate. Avoid using it for emphasis in academic work.
4. How can I stop misusing ‘literally’?
Before you write or say “literally,” ask yourself: “Is this statement factually true without any exaggeration?” If the answer is no, choose a different word. Practice replacing “literally” with “very,” “extremely,” or “figuratively” depending on your meaning. With time, correct usage will become natural.
For more guidance on common usage mistakes, explore our Common Usage Mistakes section. You can also find practical examples in Simple Sentence Examples and Daily English Sentences. If you have questions about our content, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
