it was just about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was just about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was nearly or almost the case, often in a context of approximation or a near miss. Example: "It was just about time for the meeting to start when I arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

You thought it was just about right, strangely".

Independent

It was just about survival".

The New Yorker

"It was just about control".

The New York Times

It was just about professionalism really".

Independent

It was just about choices.

The New Yorker

It was just about inclusion and fun".

The New York Times - Style

It was just about pure racing.

The Guardian - Sport

It was just about organizing laborers.

The New York Times

It was just about staying calm.

The Guardian - Sport

It was just about us being spot-on".

Independent

"Here it was just about the art of the building".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was just about" to emphasize the core element or purpose in a situation, especially when simplifying complex contexts for clarity. For instance, "Despite the many challenges, it was just about ensuring everyone's safety."

Common error

Avoid using "it was just about" when explaining nuanced or multi-layered concepts, as it can oversimplify the message and omit important details. Choose more precise language to accurately reflect complexity. For example, instead of "The project's success was just about hard work", provide specific details like "The project's success was due to meticulous planning, consistent effort, and collaborative problem-solving."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was just about" primarily functions as a qualifier or descriptor, clarifying the essence, purpose, or main focus of an event, action, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and usable phrase. The examples show that the phrase often precedes a noun or gerund, highlighting the key element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was just about" serves as a versatile tool to underscore the essential nature of an event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very frequently used. With a high expert rating of 4.5, this expression effectively simplifies complex scenarios by pinpointing the main focus, whether in news reports, personal narratives, or analytical discussions. Common across diverse publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC, "it was just about" is valuable for emphasizing what truly mattered, although be cautious not to overuse it in complex explanations where more nuanced language might be required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was nearly

Focuses on the closeness to a particular state or outcome.

it was almost

Indicates a high degree of proximity to an event or condition.

it was essentially

Highlights the fundamental nature or purpose of something.

it was primarily

Emphasizes the main aspect or focus of a situation.

it mainly concerned

Specifies the principal subject or concern.

it largely revolved around

Indicates that something significantly centered on a particular subject.

it was practically

Stresses the near reality or functionality of something.

it boiled down to

Implies that the situation simplified to a core element.

it was centered on

Emphasizes focus towards the center of a particular subject.

it was fundamentally

Expresses the basic and central point of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was just about" in a sentence?

The phrase "it was just about" is used to indicate the essence or primary focus of a situation. For instance, "For him, "it was just about" proving his point" shows the primary motivation.

What are some alternatives to "it was just about"?

Alternatives include "it was essentially", "it was primarily", or "it mainly concerned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was just about"?

Yes, "it was just about" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to express that something was fundamentally or primarily focused on a particular aspect.

What's the difference between "it was just about" and "it was only about"?

"It was just about" suggests that something was mainly or essentially related to something, while "it was only about" implies limitation and exclusivity to something. The nuance changes based on whether you want to show essence or limitation.