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Just

Just is a common adverb in English, especially in speaking. It has different meanings.

Just meaning ‘simply’ or ‘absolutely’​

We can use just meaning ‘simply’ or ‘absolutely’ to add emphasis to a statement:

  • It’s just not right.
  • Our holiday was just perfect.

Just meaning ‘exactly’​

  • You look just like your sister.
  • Can you put your signature just here?

Just meaning ‘only’​

  • His first pay cheque was just fifty pounds.
  • [in a clothes shop]
  • A: Can I help you?
  • B: No, it’s all right, thanks. I’m just looking.

Just and expressions of time​

Just can mean ‘recently’ or ‘a very short time before or after speaking’:

  • Where’s my phone? I had it just now.
  • Could you wait for me? I’m just going to the shop.

We often use the present perfect or past perfect with this meaning of just when we refer to a short time before the moment of speaking:

  • I’ve just decided to sell my apartment.
  • I’m on my way to the station. Their train has just arrived.

Just for emphasis​

We also use just to emphasise an imperative:

  • Just shut the door quickly or we’re going to be late.
See also
  • Imperative clauses (Be quiet!)

Just to soften expressions​

We use just in speaking to soften what we say, especially in requests:

  • Could you just open the window?
  • I was just wondering if I could speak to you about Anna?
See also
  • Hedges (just)
  • Requests