it is only just

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is only just" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is barely enough or just barely true. Example: "I only have enough money for one ticket; it is only just enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Yet he believes it is only just awakening to its potential – and at a precarious moment.

The Guardian

Although "The Decalogue" has been shown in New York by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and is available on home video, it is only just now having its commercial release in the city, at the Lincoln Plaza.

The New York Times

Today it is only just beginning to show its stuff -- or should I say stuffing?

The New York Times

The project's supporters feel it is only just beginning to come into its own, now that the New Square development has materialised next door.

The Guardian - Arts

It is only just beginning".

The New York Times

"It is only just enough".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

And it's only just beginning.

The New York Times - Travel

It's only just started," she said.

The New York Times

For Cisco it's only just beginning.

Independent

"It's only just starting".

The New York Times

"It's only just beginning to change".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is only just", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to sufficiency, fairness, or the beginning of something. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is only just" when you intend to convey a sense of abundance or excess. This phrase implies a minimal or barely sufficient level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only just" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It serves to qualify the extent or degree of an action or state, indicating that something is barely sufficient, fair, or in its initial stages. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is only just" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that something is barely sufficient, fair, or in its early stages. As shown by Ludwig, this expression appears mostly in journalistic and news contexts. Alternatives like ""it is barely enough"" or "it is only the beginning" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Be mindful of the context to ensure accurate communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is barely enough

Emphasizes the minimal sufficiency of something.

it is hardly sufficient

Highlights the lack of excess or abundance.

it is merely adequate

Focuses on meeting the basic requirements without excelling.

it has only just begun

Shifts the focus to the beginning stage of something.

it is only the beginning

Similar to the previous phrase, stressing the initial phase.

it is no more than fair

Emphasizes the fairness aspect, indicating a basic level of justice.

it is scarcely adequate

Indicates a level of adequacy that is barely achieved.

it is fair and nothing more

Highlights that the situation is only equitable without being generous.

it is just starting

A more concise way of indicating that something is in its initial stages.

it is touch-and-go

Emphasizes the uncertainty or precariousness of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it is only just" in a sentence?

You can use "it is only just" to express that something is barely sufficient, fair, or beginning. For example, "The funding "it is only just" enough to cover the basic expenses" or "It is only just the beginning of our journey".

What's the difference between "it is only just" and "it is simply just"?

"It is only just" implies something is barely sufficient or fair, while "it is simply just" emphasizes the fairness aspect without necessarily implying scarcity. The phrase "it is simply just" tends to reinforce a moral or ethical stance.

Are there situations where "it is only just" should be avoided?

Yes, avoid using "it is only just" when you want to express that something is abundant, excessive, or complete. Instead, use phrases that convey those meanings directly.

What can I say instead of "it is only just" to indicate that something is barely enough?

You can use alternatives like "it is barely enough" or "it is hardly sufficient" to convey that something is only just meeting the minimum requirements.