are just

USAGE SUMMARY

"are just" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to indicate something is only briefly mentioned, or is one example out of many. Example: "The apples, oranges, and pears are just some of the fruits we have in stock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here are just two.

The Economist

Others are just exasperated.

The New York Times

"They are just rumours".

Independent

Others are just starting.

The Economist

They are just kids".

The New Yorker

Some are just jobs.

Independent

Some are just unlucky.

The Economist

People are just jealous.

The New Yorker

Apples are just arriving.

The New York Times

"People are just playing".

The New York Times

Germans are just partying.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are just" to indicate that you are giving a limited number of examples or highlighting a specific aspect of a broader topic. For example, "Apples and oranges are just two types of fruit available."

Common error

Avoid using "are just" repeatedly to downplay significant elements in your writing. Overuse can make your statements sound dismissive or insincere. Consider stronger verbs or more descriptive adjectives to convey your intended meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are just" typically functions as a qualifier or limiter in a sentence. It modifies the verb 'are' to indicate that what follows is a simplified, limited, or less significant version of something. Ludwig provides several examples that highlight this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are just" is a versatile linguistic tool used to qualify or limit the scope of a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a simplified, restricted, or less significant version of something. It frequently appears in news, science, and wiki contexts with a neutral formality level. While grammatically correct and widely used, overusing "are just" can diminish the impact of your writing. Consider alternatives like "simply are", "merely are", or "only are" for varied expression. Remember to use "are just" judiciously to maintain clarity and sincerity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only are

Highlights exclusivity, focusing on a single option or instance.

simply are

Emphasizes simplicity without indicating a limited set.

merely are

Implies insignificance or lack of importance more strongly.

essentially are

Similar to 'basically are', but emphasizes inherent qualities.

basically are

Suggests a fundamental or essential nature.

purely are

Emphasizes that something is solely and exclusively something else.

plainly are

Stresses obviousness and lack of complexity.

veritably are

Indicates truth or genuineness, often in a more emphatic way.

actually are

Used to correct a misconception or emphasize the truth.

in reality are

Similar to 'actually are', but emphasizes a contrast with appearances.

FAQs

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

You can use "are just" to limit the scope of a statement or to provide examples. For instance, "These symptoms "are just" a few of the possible side effects."

What can I say instead of "are just"?

You can use alternatives like "simply are", "merely are", or "only are" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they are just rumors" or "they're just rumors"?

Both "they "are just" rumors" and "they're just rumors" are correct. The second one is a contraction of the first.

What's the difference between "are just" and "are only"?

"Are just" implies that something is merely or simply something, while "are only" suggests exclusivity and limitation to a specific quantity or type. For example, "These are just suggestions" vs. "These are only suggestions available now".