Exactly vs Literally

Quand utiliser chacun en anglais, avec le sens, le registre et des exemples.

Exactly

Top 1000 (très courant)A2adverb

Literally

Top 1000 (très courant)B2adverb
 ExactlyLiterally
Prononciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæktli/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈlɪtərəli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈlɪtərəli/"]/
SensIn a precise or accurate manner.Used to say that something is true and not exaggerated.
ExempleThe instructions say to follow the recipe exactly for the best results.The word ‘planet’ literally means ‘wandering body’.
RegistreNeutreNeutre
FréquenceTop 1000 (très courant)Top 1000 (très courant)
Niveau CEFRA2B2
Nature grammaticaleadverbadverb
Collocationsexactly right, exactly what, exactly the same, exactly how, know exactlyliterally impossible, literally speaking, literally means
Antonymesapproximately, roughlyfiguratively, metaphorically
Erreurs fréquentes'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.
Notes d'usageUse '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.

Questions fréquentes : Exactly vs Literally

Quelle est la différence entre Exactly et Literally ?

Exactly: In a precise or accurate manner. Literally: Used to say that something is true and not exaggerated.

Exactly et Literally sont-ils au même niveau CEFR ?

Exactly: A2, Literally: B2 sur l'échelle CEFR.

Puis-je utiliser Exactly et Literally de façon interchangeable ?

Pas toujours. Exactly et Literally sont proches et se recoupent parfois, mais elles diffèrent par le registre, la fréquence et l'usage, donc remplacer l'une par l'autre peut changer le sens ou le ton. Regarde les différences ci-dessus avant de substituer.

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