When should "literally" be used?

Solution 1:

Hmm. I think 'literally' could be used when the listener might otherwise think you are exaggerating, even if not employing a figure of speech.

I literally spent hours stuck in traffic this morning.

i.e actual hours, not rhetorical 'hours'.

Solution 2:

You can say you are literally starving to death if you have not eaten for a week or so.

I personally use literally to emphasize a fact. In my opinion It actually took him an hour is less strong as It literally took him an hour - can you believe it!?

Have a click through to this cartoon - it should literally be burned into your mind :)