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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Using 'literally'

Which situation do we use the word? Something that actually happens or something that's not actually happen(exaggerating)?

I've seen a lot of examples using the word to describe some over-acting action like 'I literally got goosebumps'. That's why I got confused.

For example: My friend doesn't believe I went to the sea when I actually went there. So I told her 'I literally went to the sea!'
Does it sound unnatural?

Thank you
  

Top answer

Literally, actually, really - all are words you want for facts. Yes, many people use 'literally' when they mean 'virtually'. "I literally died of embarrassment" is a common misuse of the word, when they mean 'virtually'.

— Philip

  • Literally, actually, really - all are words you want for facts.
  • Yes, many people use 'literally' when they mean 'virtually'.
  • "I literally died of embarrassment" is a common misuse of the word, when they mean 'virtually'.
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2 Answers
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Literally, actually, really - all are words you want for facts. Yes, many people use 'literally' when they mean 'virtually'. "I literally died of embarrassment" is a common misuse of the word, when they mean 'virtually'.
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AnonymousWhich situation do we use the word? Something that actually happens or something that's not actually happen(exaggerating)?
Many people use "literally" for hyperbole. This usage is even in the dictionary.
See definition entry 1 (a)
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