Mistake: Literally and Figuratively
literally = exactly; figuratively = not exactly.
Examples
- It's literally 30 degrees.
Key rules
- Literally means exactly as the words say, not an exaggeration
- Figuratively means in a metaphorical sense
- Many speakers use literally to mean very, which is often criticised
Common mistakes
- It's literally 30 degrees (when it is not exaggerated) → It's 30 degrees
- I literally died laughing → I was very amused (figurative)
Use cases
- Speaking informally
- Writing reviews
- Academic writing
💡 Tip: Use literally only when the statement is true in a literal sense; use very or really for emphasis.