Grammar Lesson Monday: Literally

Welcome to Grammar Lesson Monday!
This continuous series will address many common grammar mistakes made in the media and that I've seen more than once.  I strive to make the world a better place with good grammar.

Today, we will learn about literally.

A lot of times, people say literally when they actually mean figuratively.

Literally means for real.  Like, it really happened.

Wrong:

I could literally see my friend jump over the moon after he heard his wife was pregnant.

>> Obviously, no person can really jump over the moon.  It doesn't make sense.

Right:

I could figuratively see my friend jump over the moon after he heard his wife was pregnant.

>> Here, I'm probably making a reference to the slang term "over the moon" meaning really excited or happy.  So, my friend is really excited or happy.

That's it for today.  Celebrate good grammar!