can literally vs literally can

Both "can literally" and "literally can" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Can literally" is more commonly used to emphasize that something is possible to do in a literal sense, while "literally can" is less common and may sound awkward in some contexts.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 202 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something is possible to do in a literal sense.

"can literally"

Use "can literally" to emphasize that something is possible to do in a literal sense. It is often used to stress the truth of a statement or to highlight the actual ability to perform an action.

Examples:

You can literally see the stars from your window.
I can literally taste the salt in this dish.
She can literally run a marathon in under three hours.
The car can literally fly off the track if you don't brake in time.
He can literally lift a car with his bare hands.

Show examples from the web [+]

You can literally chart all the cracks and strains.
It's so sharp, it can literally cut bone like butter.
You can literally talk to my subconscious.
You can literally buy everything you need
You can literally steer the truck with one finger.
You can literally make money everyday if you put the structure mentioned in this report into place.
That's when poetry can literally save you.
One single act of violence can literally destroy your movement.
You can literally hit start, then when your done print an invoice.
We're proud that with our product, you can literally feel the quality.
You can literally choose songs by the most famous wrappers and current chart toppers.
In combat Aurox can literally demolish enemies that get too close.
Great, so whatever we're looking for can literally fire off childhood.
The colors are not left out because you can literally choose from an endless palette.
You can literally come from your terrace to the well-maintained beach and clean sea.
Agencies appreciate that this subject can literally be used for all projects you are asked.
Don't you know a time wish can literally do anything?
That I ride in a car that can literally launch grenades.
It can literally take your breath away.
I can literally taste the intelligence and wisdom...

Alternatives:

can actually
can really
can truly
can genuinely
can veritably

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It may sound awkward in some contexts.

"literally can"

While "literally can" is grammatically correct, it is less commonly used than "can literally." It can still be used to convey the ability to do something in a literal sense, but it may sound less natural to native speakers.

Examples:

He literally can't believe his eyes.
She literally can't run any faster.
The machine literally can't function without the missing part.
They literally can't hear a word you're saying.
The dog literally can't resist chasing squirrels.

Show examples from the web [+]

You literally can manufacture an existential crisis out of thin air.
The game literally can be summed up in one sentence.
You literally can get a speeding ticket during rush hour in Oklahoma City.
That's good because I literally can see them lining up to confess down there.
It can expand to fit whatever the shark eats, which can literally can be anything from... other sharks to old tires.
We literally can not wait to enjoy the show, the first part of a beautiful double challenge.
With its sunny rooms, two balconies and a tranquil garden, you will literally can buy fresh groceries in the little shop next door and if you're in the mood for traditional South Tyrolean cuisine, you will find excellent restaurants nearby.
You literally can make a different drink, one after the other, just by inserting a different K cup.
The politicians and their handlers state that they literally can kill anyone, anywhere, at any time, without being accountable to anyone, except the one whom they serve, who demands death sacrifices.
The idea is induced in the spectator of finding oneself faced by creations that quite literally can be called absolute in that they are "free from restrictions", each one capable of forming "a self-supporting whole", one that is self-sufficient.
It can literally take your breath away.
I can literally taste the intelligence and wisdom...
There is literally nothing can stop us now.
So, literally everybody can be self-reliant on this.
Certainly things are coming to a head and politically they are very volatile and literally anything can happen.
So you can literally use these as the tiny components in the assembly process.
They can literally create water out of thin air.
We've analysed the situation and there is literally nothing we can do to help.
I can literally feel her fingers on my spine.
I can literally feel her fingers on my spine.

Alternatives:

literally able to
literally have the ability to
literally possess the capacity to
literally in a position to
literally in a state to

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can literally vs literally can

"can literally"

"literally can"

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