Do you have a minute to spare to learn some English? Saskia’s got just the information we need – 4 ways to use ‘just’! Give us 60 seconds and we’ll give you the English!
Saskia
Hi! I’m Saskia from BBC Learning English. Today, I’m going to tell you 4 ways to use the word ‘just’ as an adverb.
One way we use ‘just’ is for things happening at this moment.
Patrick
Do you want to go for a coffee?
Saskia
Hang on! I’m just finishing this video.
‘Just’ can also mean ‘only’. This book cost me just one pound.
Patrick
Wow that was cheap!
Saskia
‘Just’ often means ‘exactly’.
Patrick
What time is it?
Saskia
It’s just four o’clock.
Patrick
Saskia, here’s a present for you.
Saskia
Thanks! It’s just what I wanted!
You can also use ‘just’ to emphasise other words and expressions. I just love this shirt!
So that’s four ways to use ‘just’. Just in time! I’d better go for that coffee!
4 ways to use ‘just’
1. Things happening at the moment
Just can be used for things happening at the moment.
• I’m just finishing this video.
• The weather is just changing. We can go out now.
2. Only
Just can mean only.
• This book cost me just one pound.
• I need just one more thing.
3. Exactly
Just often means exactly.
• It’s just four o’clock.
• That’s just what I wanted!
4. Emphasis
Just can be used to emphasise other words and expressions.
• I just love this T-shirt.
• Isn’t this just the best day ever?