Literally vs. Very

Attribute	Literally	Very
Definition	According to the actual meaning of the words	Used to intensify an adjective or adverb
Usage	Often used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement	Used to emphasize the degree or extent of something
Examples	"I literally ran a marathon."	"I am very tired."

Definition

When looking at the attributes of the words "literally" and "very," it is important to first understand their definitions. "Literally" is an adverb that is used to emphasize the truth and accuracy of a statement. It is often used to indicate that something is true in a strict sense. On the other hand, "very" is an adverb that is used to emphasize the degree or extent of something. It is often used to intensify an adjective or adverb. While both words are used to add emphasis, they do so in different ways.

Usage

The usage of "literally" and "very" also differs significantly. "Literally" is typically used to clarify that something is true in a literal sense, rather than figuratively. For example, one might say, "I literally ran a marathon," to emphasize that they actually completed the full 26.2 miles. On the other hand, "very" is used to intensify the meaning of another word. For example, one might say, "I am very tired," to emphasize the extent of their fatigue. In this way, "very" is more versatile in its usage compared to "literally."

Intensification

One of the key differences between "literally" and "very" is how they intensify the words they modify. "Literally" intensifies the truth or accuracy of a statement, while "very" intensifies the degree or extent of something. For example, consider the phrases "literally freezing" and "very cold." In the first phrase, "literally" emphasizes that the temperature is at or below freezing, while in the second phrase, "very" simply intensifies the adjective "cold." This distinction is important in understanding the impact of each word in a sentence.

Clarity

Another important aspect to consider when comparing "literally" and "very" is the clarity they provide in a sentence. "Literally" is often used to remove ambiguity and ensure that the reader or listener understands the exact meaning of a statement. For example, saying "I literally died laughing" leaves no room for interpretation about the intensity of the laughter. On the other hand, "very" is more general in its emphasis and may not always provide the same level of clarity. For example, saying "I am very happy" does not specify the exact degree of happiness being experienced.

Overuse

One common criticism of both "literally" and "very" is their potential for overuse. When used excessively, these words can lose their impact and become filler words in a sentence. This can detract from the overall effectiveness of the communication and make the speaker or writer appear less precise in their language. It is important to use both "literally" and "very" judiciously to ensure that they retain their intended emphasis and do not become diluted through overuse.

Impact

Despite their differences, both "literally" and "very" have the potential to have a significant impact on the tone and meaning of a sentence. "Literally" can add a sense of urgency or importance to a statement by emphasizing its truthfulness, while "very" can intensify the emotion or description being conveyed. By understanding the nuances of these words and using them thoughtfully, writers and speakers can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of their communication.