Guide on How to Say “Literally” in English

Whether it’s to emphasize a point, add a touch of humor, or convey a true sense of meaning, the word “literally” holds a special place in the English language. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express “literally,” providing tips, examples, and even a look at regional variations. Let’s dive in!

Formal Expressions

When speaking in formal settings or creating a polished written piece, it’s essential to choose words that convey precision and clarity. Here are some alternatives to saying “literally” in a formal manner:

1. Exactly: Use “exactly” to indicate that something is true in the most precise sense. For example, “The temperature outside is exactly freezing.”
2. Precisely: This word emphasizes accuracy and exactitude. For instance, “Her prediction about the outcome of the experiment was precisely correct.”
3. Truly: When you want to emphasize the factuality or accuracy of a statement, “truly” serves as an appropriate substitute. For instance, “His artistic interpretation of the novel is truly captivating.”
4. Genuinely: Use “genuinely” to convey an authentic or honest representation of something. For example, “She was genuinely surprised by the unexpected turn of events.”
5. Veritably: This word is often used to emphasize the truthfulness or authenticity of something. For example, “The fearless explorer was veritably a hero in the eyes of the local community.”

Informal Expressions

Informal conversations and casual writing allow for a more relaxed and expressive approach. Here are some alternative phrases to express “literally” in an informal manner:

1. Like, seriously: This is a popular phrase used to inject emphasis and sincerity. For instance, “I was like, seriously, on cloud nine after hearing the good news.”
2. No joke: This phrase denotes that something is not exaggerated or made up. For example, “That roller coaster was terrifying, no joke!”
3. For real: It’s often used to confirm the authenticity or truthfulness of a statement. For instance, “I saw a unicorn in the park yesterday, for real!”
4. As it actually happened: This phrase is used to assert that a statement is based on true events. For example, “He fell from the tree and landed on his feet, as it actually happened!”
5. Dead serious: This phrase emphasizes absolute seriousness or sincerity. For instance, “I’m dead serious about improving my fitness levels this year.”

Regional Variations

English is spoken across different regions, and while most expressions for “literally” are universal, a few regional variations exist. Here’s a look at a couple of them:

American English

American English often incorporates the term “literally” in informal conversations, but substitutes can include:

• Like: This word is often used as an intensifier. For example, “My feet were, like, literally frozen after waiting outside in the snow.”
• You know: It’s used to seek confirmation or express familiarity. For instance, “I was, like, running late, you know, so I missed the bus.”
• Deadass: This slang term is commonly used in certain regions to mean “literally” or “seriously”. For example, “That pizza was deadass the best I’ve ever eaten!”

British English

In British English, alternative expressions for “literally” may include:

• Actually: It can be used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement. For instance, “It actually made me cry when I watched the film.”
• Proper: This term is slang and can be used instead of “literally” to add emphasis. For example, “That concert was proper amazing, mate!”
• Bloody: Used as an intensifier, it can convey a sense of emphasis and authenticity. For instance, “She was bloody livid when she heard the news.”

Examples in Context

To further understand how to use the alternatives to “literally,” let’s explore some examples:

Formal: The tutor precisely explained how to solve the algebraic equation.

Informal: I was, like, dead serious when I said I would eat a whole pizza by myself!

Formal: She truly believed in the power of positive thinking and its impact on mental health.

Informal: That party was, like, no joke – it went on until dawn!

As you can see from these examples, incorporating alternative expressions to “literally” enhances the richness and variety of your communication while maintaining clarity and focus.

Remember, the key to using these alternatives effectively lies in understanding the context, audience, and desired impact of your message. So go ahead, and add some flair to your language by exploring these alternatives to the word “literally”!