Literally vs Technically: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When it comes to language, the difference between what is technically correct and what is literally correct can be confusing. In fact, the terms “literally” and “technically” are often used interchangeably, even though they have distinct meanings.

So, which one is the proper word to use in different situations? The answer is not always clear-cut, as both words have their own specific uses.

Literally means exactly what is being said, without any exaggeration or metaphorical interpretation. Technically, on the other hand, refers to something that is done according to the rules or principles of a particular subject or field.

In this article, we will explore the difference between these two words and provide examples of when each one should be used.

Define Literally

Literally is an adverb used to indicate that something is true and accurate in a strict sense, without any exaggeration or metaphorical interpretation. It is often used to emphasize the factual nature of a statement, and to distinguish it from a figurative or symbolic meaning.

For example, if someone says “I literally ran a marathon,” it means that they actually completed a 26.2-mile race on foot, as opposed to simply implying that they were exhausted or worked hard.

While the term is commonly used in everyday language, it has also been the subject of debate and criticism due to its frequent misuse and overuse. Some people argue that using “literally” to mean “figuratively” or for emphasis can lead to confusion and dilute its original meaning.

Define Technically

Technically is an adverb used to indicate that something is true or accurate according to a strict interpretation of the rules or principles governing it. It is often used to clarify a specific aspect or detail of a situation, and to distinguish it from a more general or informal understanding.

For example, if someone says “Technically, I’m not allowed to park here,” it means that there is a specific rule or regulation prohibiting parking in that location, even if it may not be immediately obvious or enforced.

Similarly, in a technical field such as engineering or computer science, the term “technically correct” is often used to indicate that a solution or answer is accurate and valid according to the specific criteria or requirements of the problem, even if it may not be the most practical or intuitive approach.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using words correctly is essential to effective communication. The words “literally” and “technically” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here’s how to use them correctly in a sentence:

How To Use “Literally” In A Sentence

“Literally” means exactly what it says, without exaggeration or metaphor. It indicates that something is true in a literal sense. Here are some examples:

• She literally ran a marathon in under three hours.
• The car was so full, they could literally not fit another person inside.
• He was so hungry, he could literally eat a horse.

It’s important to note that “literally” should only be used when something is true in a literal sense. Using it for emphasis or exaggeration can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

How To Use “Technically” In A Sentence

“Technically” refers to the strict or precise meaning of something. It’s often used to clarify a point or to distinguish between a technicality and a more general understanding. Here are some examples:

• Technically, the deadline is tomorrow, but we can still accept submissions until the end of the week.
• He’s not lying, but technically he’s not telling the whole truth either.
• Technically, a tomato is a fruit, but most people consider it a vegetable.

Using “technically” can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page about the specific meaning of a word or concept.

More Examples Of Literally & Technically Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how the words “literally” and “technically” can be used in sentences. These examples will help you understand the correct usage of these words and avoid common mistakes.

Examples Of Using “Literally” In A Sentence

• He was literally climbing the walls in frustration.
• The car was literally flying down the highway.
• She was literally beside herself with excitement.
• The book was so good, I literally couldn’t put it down.
• He was literally sweating bullets during the exam.
• The room was so quiet, you could literally hear a pin drop.
• She was literally shaking with fear.
• The cake was so delicious, I literally licked my plate clean.
• He was literally jumping for joy when he got the news.
• The concert was so loud, I could literally feel the vibrations in my chest.

As you can see from these examples, “literally” is used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement. However, it is important to note that “literally” should not be used in situations where the statement is not actually true or accurate.

Examples Of Using “Technically” In A Sentence

• Technically, the deadline is tomorrow, but we can still submit the proposal today.
• He technically didn’t break any rules, but his behavior was still inappropriate.
• She technically graduated from college, but she never received her diploma.
• The company technically made a profit, but it was very small.
• He technically won the race, but only because the other runners were disqualified.
• She technically followed the recipe, but the dish still didn’t turn out right.
• The project technically met the requirements, but it was not well-received by the client.
• He technically has a degree in engineering, but he has never worked in the field.
• The product technically works, but it has a lot of bugs.
• She technically passed the test, but her score was very low.

These examples demonstrate how “technically” is used to indicate that something is true according to a strict interpretation of the rules or requirements, but there may be other factors to consider. It is important to use “technically” correctly to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words like “literally” and “technically,” it’s easy to fall into the trap of using them interchangeably. However, doing so can lead to confusion and even convey the wrong meaning. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Literally” Incorrectly

• Using “literally” as an exaggeration: When you say something like “I literally died laughing,” it’s not true, and it’s not what “literally” means. Literally means something happened exactly as stated, without any exaggeration.
• Using “literally” to mean “figuratively”: This is a common mistake that has become so widespread that some dictionaries now include this as a valid definition of “literally.” However, using “literally” to mean “figuratively” is still incorrect and can be confusing.
• Using “literally” when it’s not necessary: Sometimes, people use “literally” when it’s not needed. For example, saying “I literally just woke up” is unnecessary because it’s already implied that you just woke up.

Using “Technically” Incorrectly

• Using “technically” to mean “actually”: While “technically” can be used to mean “actually,” it’s important to understand the difference. “Actually” implies that something is true, while “technically” implies that something is true according to a specific set of rules or guidelines.
• Using “technically” to be pedantic: Sometimes, people use “technically” to be pedantic or nit-picky. While it’s important to be accurate, using “technically” in this way can come across as annoying or unhelpful.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to be mindful of the words you use and their meanings. Here are some tips:

• Think before you speak or write: Take a moment to consider whether the words you’re using are the best ones for the situation.
• Use a thesaurus: If you’re not sure about the meaning of a word, use a thesaurus to find a synonym that better fits your intended meaning.
• Read and listen to others: Pay attention to how other people use these words and learn from their examples.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “literally” and “technically” can be a tricky task as they have different connotations and implications. The context in which they are used plays a crucial role in determining which one to use.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “literally” and “technically” might change:

Context	Example	Choice between “literally” and “technically”
Everyday Conversation	“I literally died laughing!”	“Literally” is used here for emphasis and exaggeration, rather than its literal meaning. In this context, “technically” would not make sense.
Academic Writing	“The study technically proves the hypothesis.”	In academic writing, precision and accuracy are crucial. “Technically” is used here to indicate that the evidence supports the hypothesis, but not necessarily in a conclusive way. “Literally” would not be appropriate in this context.
Legal Documents	“The contract literally states that the payment is due on the 1st of every month.”	In legal documents, precise language is essential. “Literally” is used here to indicate that the statement is true and accurate, without any room for interpretation. “Technically” would not convey the same level of certainty.

As you can see, the choice between “literally” and “technically” depends on the context in which they are used. It is crucial to consider the tone, purpose, and audience of the communication before deciding which word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While there are general rules for using the words “literally” and “technically,” there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some of these exceptions:

1. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or effect. In some cases, the use of the word “literally” can be used to emphasize the hyperbole, even though it is technically incorrect. For example:

• “I literally died laughing.”
• “He’s literally a million years old.”

While these statements are not meant to be taken literally, the use of “literally” adds emphasis to the exaggeration.

2. Sarcasm

Sarcasm is a form of irony that involves saying the opposite of what you mean in order to be humorous or to make a point. In some cases, the word “literally” can be used sarcastically to emphasize the opposite of what is being said, even though it is technically incorrect. For example:

• “Oh great, another meeting. I’m literally thrilled.”
• “I literally can’t wait to spend my entire weekend doing yard work.”

Again, while these statements are not meant to be taken literally, the use of “literally” adds emphasis to the sarcasm.

3. Idioms

Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. In some cases, the word “literally” can be used to emphasize the figurative meaning of the idiom, even though it is technically incorrect. For example:

• “I’m so hungry, I could literally eat a horse.”
• “I’m literally glued to my computer screen.”

While these statements are not meant to be taken literally, the use of “literally” adds emphasis to the figurative meaning of the idiom.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between the usage of literally and technically, let’s put our knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The car was literally flying down the road.
2. The car was technically flying down the road.

Answer: The car was technically flying down the road.

Exercise 2

Identify whether the following sentences use literally or technically correctly:

1. My phone is literally dead right now.
2. My phone is technically dead right now.

Answer: The correct usage is technically dead. While the battery may be completely drained and the phone may not be functioning, it is not actually dead in the literal sense of the word.

Exercise 3

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

1. The building is literally falling apart.
2. The building is technically falling apart.

Answer: The building is literally falling apart. In this case, the building is actually crumbling and falling apart in a physical sense.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of literally and technically in sentences. Remember to always consider the literal meaning of a word before using it figuratively, and to use technically when a situation requires a more precise or accurate description.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “literally” and “technically,” it is clear that these two terms are often misused and misunderstood. While “literally” is meant to be used to describe something that is true in a strict sense, it has become a common exaggeration in everyday language. On the other hand, “technically” is used to describe something that is true in a technical or precise sense, but is often seen as too pedantic or nitpicky in casual conversation.

It is important to understand the nuances of language and grammar, as they can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of communication. By using words and phrases correctly and appropriately, we can avoid confusion and ensure that our message is conveyed accurately.

Key Takeaways

• “Literally” is often misused as an exaggeration in everyday language
• “Technically” is often seen as too pedantic or nitpicky in casual conversation
• Understanding the nuances of language and grammar is important for effective communication

Overall, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve our communication skills and avoid common mistakes. By seeking out resources and practicing proper usage, we can become more confident and effective communicators in both personal and professional settings.