How to Use ‘Literally’ Correctly: IELTS Vocabulary Tips
Learn the proper usage of ‘literally’ for your IELTS exam. This video covers the definition, etymology, correct examples, common mistakes, and synonyms of ‘literally’. Improve your vocabulary precision and potentially boost your IELTS score with these tips on using ‘literally’ accurately in speaking and writing.
Have you ever heard someone say they were literally dying of embarrassment? Unless they were actually in mortal danger, chances are they were misusing the word literally.
Today, we’re going to explore this commonly misused word and learn how to use it correctly, especially for your IELTS exam.
Word type: Literally is an adverb. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, describing how something is done.
Meaning: Literally means in a literal sense or exactly. It refers to something that is actually true or real, not exaggerated or metaphorical.
Word history: Literally comes from the Latin word literalis, meaning by the letter. It entered the English language in the sixteenth century, originally meaning in a literal sense.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at some correct uses of literally. The book literally fell apart in my hands; the binding was so old that the pages came loose.
The temperature literally dropped below freezing last night; it was zero degrees Celsius. In these examples, literally emphasizes that the statements are true and not exaggerated.
Common errors in use: Many people use literally to add emphasis to figurative statements, which is incorrect.
For example, saying I literally died laughing is incorrect unless you actually ceased to live. Similarly, I’m literally starving is often an exaggeration.
Unless you’re actually suffering from extreme hunger, it’s better to say I’m very hungry.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for literally include actually, truly, really, and exactly.
Antonyms: Antonyms or opposites of literally include figuratively and metaphorically. Now, let’s consider how to use literally effectively in your IELTS exam.
In the speaking and writing sections, using literally correctly can demonstrate your precise vocabulary usage.
For example, you might say The city’s population literally doubled in size over the past decade, but only if you have factual information to support this claim.
In the reading and listening sections, recognizing the correct use of literally can help you understand the exact meaning of a statement and avoid misinterpretation.
Remember, literally means exactly what is stated, without exaggeration. Use it sparingly and only when you want to emphasize that something is precisely true or real.
By using literally correctly, you can enhance your vocabulary precision and potentially boost your IELTS band score.
