but only just

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only just" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something was barely achieved, or fell short of a more ideal result. For example, "I was able to finish the project, but only just."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But only just.

The Guardian - Opinion

He lost, but only just.

The Economist

He was joking, but only just.

The New York Times - Arts

Nick" is more animated, but only just.

The New York Times

A village in Luxembourg, but only just.

Independent

This figure was reached, but only just.

The Economist

It did fit, but only just.

The New York Times - Arts

He stuck to that, but only just.

The Economist

United are ahead – but only just.

Independent

The stories are recognizable, but only just.

The New York Times

This is hyperbole, but only just.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ the phrase to emphasize the precariousness of a situation that could have easily turned out differently.

Common error

Avoid using "but only just" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal. Consider more precise alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only just" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner or extent to which an action was performed or a state was achieved. It adds a nuance of near failure or minimal success, consistent with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Books

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but only just" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies an outcome achieved by a slim margin or with considerable difficulty. As Ludwig AI accurately confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase adds a nuanced perspective to events, highlighting the precariousness or uncertainty involved. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more sophisticated alternatives when appropriate. Understanding these contextual nuances will ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only just barely

Adds emphasis to the narrowness of the margin.

barely

This single word captures the essence of a narrow escape or minimal success.

narrowly

Implies a close margin of success or avoidance.

just enough

Focuses on the minimal sufficiency achieved.

by a whisker

Idiomatic expression highlighting the small difference between success and failure.

hardly

Conveys a sense of difficulty and a minimal margin.

scarcely

Indicates that something was achieved with difficulty and was almost not achieved.

by the skin of one's teeth

Suggests a very close call, implying difficulty.

with little to spare

Highlights the lack of excess or resources in achieving something.

almost didn't

Emphasizes the near failure before success.

FAQs

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

You can use "but only just" to indicate that something was achieved by a narrow margin or with difficulty. For instance, "He passed the exam, "but only just"" means he barely passed.

What are some alternatives to "but only just"?

Alternatives include "barely", "narrowly", or "by a whisker". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "but only just" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but only just" is generally more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless" to maintain a more professional tone.

What does "but only just" emphasize in a sentence?

"But only just" emphasizes the slim margin or difficulty involved in achieving a particular outcome. It highlights that the result could have easily been different.