What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
literally
Example
I was so hungry, I could literally eat a horse. [literally: adverb]
Example
The car was literally on fire. [literally: adverb]
really
Example
I really enjoyed the movie. [really: adverb]
Example
Are you really going to eat all of that? [really: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Really is more commonly used than literally in everyday language. Really is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while literally is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between literally and really?
Literally is more formal than really and is often used in academic or technical writing, while really is more informal and is often used in everyday conversation.
