Understanding ‘Literally’: Proper Usage and Common Mistakes
Have you ever heard someone say they were literally dying of embarrassment?
Unless they were experiencing a medical emergency, chances are they were misusing the word literally.
Today, we’re going to explore this commonly misunderstood and often overused word, its proper usage, and why it’s important to use it correctly, especially in formal contexts like English proficiency tests.
Word type: Literally is an adverb, meaning it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Meaning: In its strictest sense, literally means in a literal or exact sense, without exaggeration or inaccuracy.
It is used to emphasize that a statement is actually true, even though it might sound unbelievable or exaggerated.
Word history: The word literally comes from the Latin word literalis, meaning of or belonging to letters.
It entered the English language in the late sixteenth century, initially meaning in a literal sense or manner, exactly.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for literally include figuratively, metaphorically, and symbolically.
Synonyms: Synonyms for literally include actually, truly, really, and exactly.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at some correct uses of literally in sentences.
The explorer was literally on top of the world when he reached the summit of Mount Everest.
The temperature literally dropped below freezing, turning the lake into a sheet of ice.
The politician was literally caught red-handed accepting the bribe, as his hands were stained with marked bills.
Common errors in use: One of the most common misuses of literally is as an intensifier for figurative expressions.
For example, saying I’m literally starving when you’re just very hungry is incorrect.
Similarly, expressions like I literally died laughing or My head is literally spinning are misuses unless these events actually occurred, which is highly unlikely.
In formal writing and speaking, especially in the context of language proficiency tests, it’s crucial to use literally only when you mean something is actually, verifiably true.
Using it incorrectly can make your language seem imprecise or overly casual.
To wrap up, remember that literally means in an exact, precise sense.
Use it sparingly and only when you want to emphasize that something typically used figuratively is, in this case, actually true.
By using literally correctly, you demonstrate a nuanced understanding of English, which is particularly valuable in advanced language proficiency contexts.
