Difference between revisions of "Just"
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In American English the simple past is frequently used instead of the present perfect. | In American English the simple past is frequently used instead of the present perfect. | ||
| − | ===degree modifier==== | + | ===degree modifier=== |
| − | + | *''just now'' = precisely now. | |
| + | *''just then'' = ''à ce moment précis'' | ||
''just'' can qualify a preposition in many of the same ways "right" can: | ''just'' can qualify a preposition in many of the same ways "right" can: | ||
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===speech softener=== | ===speech softener=== | ||
| − | + | "just" is often used when making a suggestion, when criticizing, when explaining one's intentions/reasoning... | |
*I'm just wondering if we should even continue producing these books, we keep losing money on them. | *I'm just wondering if we should even continue producing these books, we keep losing money on them. | ||
| Line 29: | Line 30: | ||
*I just wanted to say thank you! | *I just wanted to say thank you! | ||
*I just thought it wasn't a big deal. I didn't realize it was so important. | *I just thought it wasn't a big deal. I didn't realize it was so important. | ||
| − | |||
==Adjective== | ==Adjective== | ||
fair, equitable | fair, equitable | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:100-en]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:53, 2 May 2020
Adverb
only, simply
Syntax
just triggers the use of perfective aspect (have + -en) when it marks a recently accomplished prior action.
- I had just finished eating when the doorbell rang.
- I've just left work. I should be back home in an hour.
In both the UK & the US the past perfect is used with just to mark a recently accomplished prior past action.
In American English the simple past is frequently used instead of the present perfect.
degree modifier
- just now = precisely now.
- just then = à ce moment précis
just can qualify a preposition in many of the same ways "right" can:
- The boss always naps just after lunch.
- He usually makes weak coffee, but this cup is just right.
- She smelled the fire just in time to still be able to put it out.
- They live just over the hill there.
speech softener
"just" is often used when making a suggestion, when criticizing, when explaining one's intentions/reasoning...
- I'm just wondering if we should even continue producing these books, we keep losing money on them.
- just saying (je dis ça, je dis rien)
- I just wanted to say thank you!
- I just thought it wasn't a big deal. I didn't realize it was so important.
Adjective
fair, equitable
