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Just Think! You are probably just not using 'just' enough!
The many uses of 'just' - Part 1
Iain Shirlaw
April 23, 2025
Welcome to Business Fluency - a newsletter designed to enhance your understanding of essential business terms and concepts and provide you with practical strategies to boost your business and career prospects.
In today’s newsletter:
Just Think! You are probably just not using 'just' enough!
Quote of the day: Thomas Edison
What I’m Watching: BBC Learning English
Word of the day: Just (adverb)
Business English: Test Your Knowledge
Whenever you are ready, here is how I can help you
Just think! You are probably just not using 'just' enough!
The many uses of 'just' - Part 1
Introduction
Single words can completely change the meaning of business communication.
English teachers, myself included, often focus primarily on the time-related use of "just" (as in "she has just arrived"), neglecting its many other functions that are crucial in business contexts. This limited approach creates gaps in students' understanding, as I discovered when even my Proficiency level students struggled to identify the various applications of this versatile word.
It will take us two newsletters to fully explore the different uses of "just", so let's begin with the first six.
1. Only / Merely (Limiting)
"Just" can indicate limitation or restriction, similar to "only."
"We just need your signature to proceed with the contract."
In this context, "just" minimises what is required, suggesting it's a simple, limited action to complete the process.
2. Barely / By a Small Margin
"Just" can indicate something achieved with minimal space or time to spare.
"Our team just met the sales target before the fiscal year ended."
Here, "just" conveys that the team achieved their goal, but with very little margin - perhaps reaching 100% of their target rather than exceeding it comfortably.
3. Minimizing / Downplaying
"Just" can be used to minimize importance or suggest something is ordinary.
"It's just a minor delay in shipping, nothing to worry about."
This use of "just" deliberately downplays the significance of the delay, suggesting it's not worth concern.
4. Softening Requests / Politeness
"Just" can make requests sound less demanding and more polite.
"Could you just review this report before tomorrow's meeting?"
By adding "just", the speaker makes the request seem smaller and less imposing, even though reviewing a report might be substantial work.
5. Minimizing Impact / Suggesting
"Just" can downplay the force of suggestions or opinions.
"I'm just saying we should reconsider our marketing strategy."
The speaker uses "just" to make their suggestion appear less confrontational or critical of current practices.
6. Precise Location
"Just" can indicate exact positioning in physical space.
"Our new office is just across from the financial district."
In this usage, "just" provides precision about the location, helping the listener visualize exactly where the office is situated.
How many of these uses did you know?
We will examine another six uses of "just" in next week's newsletter.
Can you think what they might be?
Quote of the Day: Thomas Edison
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Thomas Edison’s quote reflects his tireless experimentation while inventing the light bulb, highlighting how his perseverance and willingness to learn from countless setbacks ultimately led to groundbreaking success.
Which of the meanings of ‘just’ in the previous section is the most appropriate in this context? Perhaps there is more than one possible answer?
What I’m Watching: BBC Learning English
Word of the day: Just (adverb)
Just - adverb - having multiple meanings including "only," "exactly," "very recently," "barely," or "simply"
Investors just entering the cryptocurrency market should start with small positions until they understand the volatility patterns.
Adverb: As an adverb, "just" is extremely versatile and can dramatically change the meaning of a sentence depending on context and placement. In business English, it frequently appears in time expressions, limitations, or clarifications.
Common Adverbial Uses:
Indicating recency: "The report just arrived" (= very recently)
Expressing limitation: "We have just enough resources" (= only/barely)
For emphasis: "That's just what we need" (= exactly)
Simplifying: "Just follow the procedure" (= simply/only)
With present perfect: "She has just completed the transaction" (= very recently)
Common Business Phrases:
Just about - nearly or almost completely
Just now - very recently or at this moment
Just in case - as a precaution
Business English: Test Your Knowledge
Why does the speaker use 'just' in the sentence: "Could you just review this report before tomorrow's meeting?" |
What is the function of 'just' in this sentence? "I'm just saying we should reconsider our marketing strategy." |
In this sentence, what does 'just' communicate? "Our new office is just across from the financial district." |
Whenever you are ready, here is how I can help you:
We provide Business English lessons and Cambridge and IELTS preparation courses. You can book an online lesson over Zoom here:
You can book a free 20-minute consultation with Iain over Zoom here:
Why not subscribe to our sister Financial Fluency newsletter for English students interested in learning about the financial markets and investing?
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The information contained herein is generic and does not take into account your individual financial circumstances. You should always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions.
Additionally, the authors and/or publishers of this newsletter may hold investments in securities or other financial instruments mentioned herein. These are included for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell such securities or financial instruments.