Confused Words: Just vs. Only

Confused Words - Just vs. Only

Hello, learners! Today, we’ll address two commonly interchanged words in English: just and only. Though they might seem synonymous, they serve different purposes in sentences.

Just

Just (IPA: /dʒʌst/) is often used to indicate a precise moment, a slight amount, fairness, or simply to emphasize a fact.

Check out these examples:

  1. I just finished my homework. (I finished my homework a moment ago)
  2. There’s just enough sugar for the cake. (There’s barely enough sugar for the cake)
  3. You should just apologize to her. (You really should apologize to her)
  4. He wants to play, he’s just a kid. (He wants to play because he is merely a kid)
  5. The decision was just. (The decision was fair)

Only

On the other hand, only (IPA: /ˈoʊnli/) is used to express limitation, uniqueness, or to focus on one specific item or detail.

Here are 5 examples:

  1. She is the only one who can help us. (She is the unique person who can help us)
  2. I have only one apple left. (I have just one apple left, no more)
  3. We only accept cash payments. (We accept payments in cash exclusively)
  4. You’re the only friend I need. (You’re the singular friend I need)
  5. I only eat vegetarian food. (I eat nothing but vegetarian food)

Conclusion

Remember, while just often conveys immediacy, slightness, or emphasizes a fact, only denotes limitation or exclusivity. So, next time, choose wisely based on your intent!

scroll to top