Cool MateExactly vs Literally
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exactly
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Literally
Top 1,000 (very common)B2adverb
| Exactly | Literally | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈlɪtərəli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈlɪtərəli/"]/ |
| Meaning | In a precise or accurate manner. | Used to say that something is true and not exaggerated. |
| Example | The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. | The word ‘planet’ literally means ‘wandering body’. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | exactly right, exactly what, exactly the same, exactly how, know exactly | literally impossible, literally speaking, literally means |
| Antonyms | approximately, roughly | figuratively, metaphorically |
| Common mistakes | 'Exactly' is often confused with 'correctly' — they have different nuances., Learners sometimes use 'exact' instead of 'exactly' in adverbial contexts., Misplaced in sentences, such as using it at the beginning instead of near the verb. | Using 'literally' when the statement is not true or exaggerated., Confusing it with 'figuratively'., Overusing it in sentences where it doesn't add value. |
| Usage notes | Use 'exactly' to emphasize precision or correctness. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts. Avoid in overly casual conversations where a simpler term may suffice. | Use 'literally' to emphasize that something is factually true. Avoid using it in a humorous or sarcastic context, as it can confuse the meaning. |
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Frequently asked questions: Exactly vs Literally
What's the difference between Exactly and Literally?
Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. Literally: Used to say that something is true and not exaggerated.
Which is more advanced: Exactly and Literally?
Literally is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Exactly and Literally the same CEFR level?
Exactly: A2, Literally: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Exactly and Literally?
Exactly: adverb, Literally: adverb.
Can you show an example of each?
Exactly: The instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results. Literally: The word ‘planet’ literally means ‘wandering body’.
Can I use Exactly and Literally interchangeably?
Not always. Exactly and Literally are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.