it contains just

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it contains just" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when specifying the exact amount or nature of something included within a particular context. Example: "The report is concise; it contains just the essential data needed for the analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

That is, it contains just enough mass for its own gravity to slow down, and eventually to reverse, its current expansion.

The Economist

Hummus gets its name from the Arabic word for "chickpea", and traditionally it contains just chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic; olive oil is used only to finish it off on the plate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It contains just four ingredients: fruit, flour, sugar and butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It contains just three Greeks – one fewer than in 2008 before the onset of the crisis.

The Guardian

It contains just four of the original 10 in the book, but it's worth every minute.

The Guardian - Books

It contains just six installations described as "experiments in art and interactive technology".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It contained just four words: "Get out them sandbags".

The New York Times

I opened my lunchbox and it contained just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Featuring a performance from the then-precocious Dakota Fanning, it contained just enough grit to steer clear of the shameless.

The Guardian - Film

Analysis of the recovered coral showed that it contained just Type D. After the Type C die-off, the Type D took over.

The New York Times - Science

He admits it wasn't much of a business plan; it contained just 14 slides and didn't explain exactly how he planned to tackle the problems of the global food industry.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it contains just", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, maintaining clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it contains just" when "just" adds no value; if the limitation is already clear, "it contains X" is often sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it contains just" functions as a restrictive descriptor, specifying that a subject includes a limited set of components. Ludwig's examples show usage in specifying ingredients, content, and elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it contains just" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something includes a specific, limited set of elements. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While versatile, writers should avoid redundancy by ensuring the "just" adds meaningful emphasis to the limited nature of the content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is limited to

Focuses on the restriction or boundary of the contents.

it exclusively includes

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the content; nothing else is included.

it strictly encompasses

Highlights that it strictly contains these elements.

it solely consists of

Highlights that the content is made up of only these elements.

it merely comprises

Suggests a minimal or basic composition.

it only holds

Highlights that the content is restricted to certain components.

it simply incorporates

Emphasizes the simplicity and limited nature of the content.

it specifically features

Emphasizes that the item has these features, and no others.

it narrowly includes

Implies a small number of components.

it essentially embodies

Shows that it embodies only certain characteristics

FAQs

What does "it contains just" mean?

The phrase "it contains just" means that something includes only a specific, limited set of items or elements, implying that nothing else is present.

How can I use "it contains just" in a sentence?

You can use "it contains just" to specify exactly what something includes, such as "The recipe "it contains just" four ingredients" or "The report "it contains just" the essential data".

What are some alternatives to "it contains just"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it exclusively includes", "it is limited to", or "it solely consists of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it contains just" and "it contains only"?

While similar, "it contains just" often implies a smaller or more limited quantity than "it contains only". "It contains just three items" suggests a minimal number, while "it contains only three items" simply specifies there are no others.