But just

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But just" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting point or to emphasize a specific aspect of a statement. Example: "I understand your concerns, but just remember that we have a solid plan in place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But just how bad?

The New York Times

But just this once".

The New York Times - Arts

But just not here".

Independent

But just barely".

The New York Times

But just not now.

The New York Times

But just how significant?

The New York Times

But just try.

The New York Times

But just begun.

The New York Times - Science

But just not yet.

The Economist

But just one.

The New York Times

But just an inkling.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "But just" to introduce a specific limitation or clarification following a general statement. This helps to narrow the focus and provide a more precise understanding.

Common error

While "But just" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases like "However only" or "Yet merely" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But just" functions as a conjunctive phrase, primarily used to introduce a contrast or limitation to a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s grammatically sound and serves to narrow the focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "But just" serves as a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a qualification or limitation to a previous statement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in News & Media contexts. While it's a versatile phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "However only" or "Yet merely" for variety. Use it to add emphasis and precision to your writing, but avoid starting sentences with it for better flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

But barely

This alternative keeps "but" and replaces "just" with "barely", shifting the meaning to indicate a minimal amount or degree.

However only

Replaces "but" with "however" for a slightly more formal tone, maintaining the emphasis of "just".

Though simply

Uses "though" instead of "but", implying a concession, and "simply" for a straightforward, uncomplicated contrast.

However only slightly

This phrase replaces "but" with "however" for a more formal tone and amplifies "just" to "only slightly", making the limitation more explicit.

Yet merely

Substitutes "but" with "yet", implying a contrast despite what precedes, and "just" with "merely" to indicate a limited extent.

Still solely

Emphasizes the contrast and exclusivity, using "still" and "solely" for a stronger effect.

Nevertheless exclusively

Replaces "but" with "nevertheless" for a stronger sense of contrast, and "just" with "exclusively" to highlight a unique aspect.

Nonetheless uniquely

Introduces a contrast with "nonetheless", suggesting that something is still true despite what has been said, and using "uniquely" to single out an aspect.

Even so particularly

Uses "even so" to acknowledge a previous point while introducing a contrasting one, and "particularly" to emphasize a specific detail.

Notwithstanding singly

Implies that something is true despite what has been said, using "notwithstanding" and "singly" to focus on a single element.

FAQs

How can I use "But just" in a sentence?

You can use "But just" to introduce a contrasting point or limitation. For example, "I understand your concerns, "but just" remember that we have a solid plan in place".

What phrases are similar to "But just"?

Similar phrases include "however only", "yet merely", or "still solely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "just" after "but"?

No, "just" is not always necessary. It adds emphasis to the limitation or clarification. Omitting it changes the tone slightly, making the sentence less emphatic but still grammatically correct.

Can "But just" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "But just" might sound awkward. It's generally better to include it within the sentence to connect contrasting ideas more smoothly.