How to Use ‘literally’ in a Sentence
The word literally means “in a literal manner or sense; exactly.” It is used to emphasize that something is true and factual, without exaggeration or metaphor. For example, “She literally ran five miles” means she actually ran that distance. However, in modern informal English, many people also use literally as an intensifier for figurative statements, such as “I was literally dying of laughter.” This usage is common but often considered incorrect in formal writing. To use literally correctly, reserve it for situations where you mean something exactly as stated.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘literally’
Use literally when you want to say something happened exactly as described. Avoid using it for exaggeration or metaphor in formal contexts. In informal conversation, you may hear it used for emphasis, but careful writers stick to the literal meaning.
Formal vs. Informal Use of ‘literally’
The tone and context determine how you should use literally. Here is a breakdown:
| Context | Correct Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal writing (emails, reports, essays) | Only use to mean “exactly” or “in a literal sense.” | “The company literally doubled its revenue last quarter.” |
| Informal conversation | Commonly used as an intensifier, but may be criticized. | “I literally have a million things to do.” (exaggerated) |
| Everyday speech | Often used for emphasis, even when not factual. | “He literally flew out of the room.” (figurative) |
Natural Examples of ‘literally’ in Sentences
Here are practical examples that show how literally works in real situations:
In Formal Writing or Email
- “The deadline was literally yesterday, so we cannot accept late submissions.”
- “She literally followed every instruction in the manual.”
- “The temperature literally dropped below zero last night.”
In Everyday Conversation
- “I literally forgot my keys inside the car.”
- “He literally ate the entire pizza by himself.”
- “We literally walked ten miles today.”
In Writing (Stories or Descriptions)
- “The old house literally crumbled to the ground during the storm.”
- “Her hands were literally shaking from the cold.”
Common Mistakes with ‘literally’
Many English learners make these errors. Avoid them to sound more natural and accurate.
Mistake 1: Using ‘literally’ with figurative language
Incorrect: “I was literally on top of the world when I got the job.”
Why it’s wrong: You cannot literally be on top of the world. This is a metaphor.
Correct: “I was on top of the world when I got the job.” (figurative) OR “I was literally standing on the roof of the building.” (literal)
Mistake 2: Using ‘literally’ for exaggeration
Incorrect: “I have literally a thousand emails to answer.”
Why it’s wrong: Unless you actually counted 1,000 emails, this is an exaggeration.
Correct: “I have a thousand emails to answer.” (exaggeration, no ‘literally’) OR “I have literally 47 unread emails.” (if true)
Mistake 3: Using ‘literally’ when you mean ‘figuratively’
Incorrect: “He literally broke the internet with that post.”
Why it’s wrong: The internet is not physically broken.
Correct: “He figuratively broke the internet with that post.” OR “His post went viral.”
Better Alternatives to ‘literally’
If you are unsure whether to use literally, consider these alternatives depending on your meaning:
| If you mean… | Use instead | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Exactly / truly | actually, exactly, precisely, truly | “She actually finished the race in first place.” |
| For emphasis (informal) | really, absolutely, totally | “I really need to finish this today.” |
| Figuratively | figuratively, virtually, almost | “He figuratively flew through the presentation.” |
When to Use ‘literally’ (and When to Avoid It)
Use literally when you want to stress that something is factual and not an exaggeration. Avoid it in formal writing if you are using it as a vague intensifier. In casual speech, many people use it for emphasis, but careful speakers reserve it for literal truth. If you are writing an email to a boss or a teacher, stick to the original meaning. If you are texting a friend, you have more freedom, but be aware that some people may correct you.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct or best option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- Which sentence uses ‘literally’ correctly?
a) “I was literally starving after skipping lunch.”
b) “I was literally starving after not eating for 24 hours.” - Which is better for a formal email?
a) “We literally have no time left.”
b) “We have no time left.” - Which sentence is an exaggeration?
a) “She literally ran a marathon yesterday.”
b) “She literally ran a million miles yesterday.” - Which word could replace ‘literally’ in “I literally died laughing”?
a) actually
b) almost
Answers
- b) “I was literally starving after not eating for 24 hours” is correct because it describes a real physical state. Option a is an exaggeration.
- b) “We have no time left” is better for formal writing. Option a uses ‘literally’ unnecessarily.
- b) “She literally ran a million miles yesterday” is an exaggeration. Option a could be true.
- b) “Almost” works because “died laughing” is figurative. “Actually” would not fit.
Frequently Asked Questions about ‘literally’
1. Is it ever okay to use ‘literally’ for exaggeration?
In informal conversation, many native speakers do this. However, it is widely considered a misuse. If you want to be safe, only use literally when you mean something exactly as stated.
2. What is the opposite of ‘literally’?
The opposite is figuratively. For example, “He literally jumped into the pool” (real action) vs. “He figuratively jumped into the project” (metaphorical).
3. Can I use ‘literally’ in academic writing?
Yes, but only in its original sense. For example, “The sample was literally dissolved in the solution.” Avoid using it for emphasis in academic papers.
4. Why do people misuse ‘literally’ so often?
It has become a common intensifier in spoken English, similar to “really” or “very.” Many people use it to add emotional weight to a statement, even when the statement is not factual. This is called the “figurative literally.”
Final Tip for Learners
When you write or speak, ask yourself: “Did this actually happen exactly as I am saying?” If yes, use literally. If no, choose a different word. This simple check will help you avoid the most common mistake. For more help with everyday word usage, explore our Simple Sentence Examples or check our Common Usage Mistakes section. If you have questions, visit our FAQ or contact us.
