but just when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but just when" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize a surprise or introduce unexpected events. For example: I was sure that I was going to fail the exam, but just when I got the results back, I found out that I had passed!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But just when things looked bleak, they got better.

The New York Times

But just when the game was starting to open up, Loftus-Cheek emphatically closed it down.

Independent

But just when the Tar Heels got Henson back, they lost their point guard.

The New York Times - Sports

But just when they need to band together, they have never been further apart.

The New York Times

But just when everything seemed ready for his extradition, Battisti once again fled.

The Guardian

But just when we need it most, the reliability of seafood is in doubt.

The Guardian - Opinion

GALANES But just when Mrs. Obama was in a position to cash in, she jumped.

The New York Times - Books

But just when the 11th was entering its final stages of preparation, Hooper was betrayed.

The Washington Post

But just when she was most frustrated, Taylor would dream creative ideas that kept her going.

The Washington Post

But just when the company has organized itself, outside circumstances may change.

Harvard Business Review

But just when you thought he might yodel his lungs out through his nostrils, he found something extra".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but just when" to create dramatic tension in your writing by setting up an expectation and then subverting it with an unexpected event or revelation.

Common error

Avoid using "but just when" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but just when" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses, introducing a contrast or unexpected turn of events occurring at a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. The provided examples show a wide range of usages across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Sport

7%

Lifestyle

3%

Less common in

Books

1%

Science & Research

1%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but just when" serves as a potent tool for writers aiming to introduce an element of surprise or irony into their narratives. Functioning as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, it effectively links contrasting ideas while emphasizing the timing of an unexpected event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "however, as soon as" or "yet the moment that". By understanding its purpose and register, writers can leverage "but just when" to enrich their storytelling and captivate their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, right when

Mirrors "but just when" but simplifies the language, making it less emphatic.

yet, precisely when

Adds specificity regarding timing compared to "but just when", emphasizing exactness.

yet the moment that

Emphasizes a specific instant as a turning point, while retaining a sense of contrast similar to "but just when".

still, at the very moment

Elevates the sense of simultaneity and opposition, akin to "but just when" in impact.

however, as soon as

Replaces "but just when" to focus on immediacy and direct temporal succession, removing the element of surprise.

yet, exactly at the time

Indicates a precise, opposing occurrence, maintaining the surprise effect of "but just when".

nevertheless, the instant that

Expresses a contrasting scenario emerging quickly, maintaining suspense similar to "but just when".

nonetheless, the instant

Highlights an immediate occurrence after a contrast, keeping the surprise element like "but just when".

though, the second that

Creates a direct link between a condition and its immediate consequence, a bit less formal than "but just when".

even so, the minute that

Similar to "but just when" in illustrating a sudden shift, but with a slightly more casual tone.

FAQs

How can I use "but just when" in a sentence?

The phrase "but just when" is used to introduce an unexpected event or change in circumstances, often creating a sense of irony or surprise. For example: "The team was losing badly, but just when everyone lost hope, they scored three goals in a row".

What are some alternatives to "but just when"?

Some alternatives to "but just when" include "however, as soon as", "yet the moment that", or "nonetheless, the instant". Each option can subtly alter the emphasis on surprise or immediacy.

Is "but just when" formal or informal?

The phrase "but just when" is suitable for a wide range of contexts, but it leans slightly towards a neutral to informal register. More formal alternatives might include "however, at the moment that" or "yet, precisely when".

What's the difference between "but just when" and "but then"?

While both introduce a change, "but just when" emphasizes the unexpected timing of the event, whereas "but then" simply introduces a subsequent event without necessarily implying surprise. For example, "He felt tired, but then he drank a coffee" versus "He felt confident, but just when he was about to win, he tripped".