just below

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just below" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means "slightly lower than" or "directly underneath." It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a position or location, level of quantity or quality, or rank or status. Example: The city's unemployment rate is just below the national average. (The city's unemployment rate is slightly lower than the national average.) Example: The mall has a food court located just below the main entrance. (The food court is directly underneath the main entrance.) Example: The company's revenue for the year was just below $1 million. (The revenue was slightly lower than $1 million.) Example: The rookie player's skills are just below those of the veteran players. (The rookie's skills are slightly lower than those of the veterans.) Example: The restaurant's rating on Yelp is just below 4 stars. (The rating is slightly lower than 4 stars on Yelp.).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That left it just below 2.5m.

The Economist

And, just below, "Here is Browning".

The New Yorker

It falls to just below the ear.

The New York Times

It was just below freezing.

The New York Times - Travel

Install Packages, described just below.

Columbia University

But tensions lie just below the surface.

The New York Times

Each was amputated just below the knee.

The New York Times

I looked at the number just below.

The Economist

Tensions still lie just below the surface.

The New York Times

"And that is just below our standards".

The New York Times - Sports

It was just below his navel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just below" to describe a numerical value, ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or benchmark it's being compared against.

Common error

Avoid using "just below of". The correct preposition is "just below". For example, say "The temperature is just below freezing", not "just below of freezing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just below" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates the relative position or level of something in relation to another point of reference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and diverse usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just below" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to indicate that something is slightly lower in position, value, or rank. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific articles and wikis. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Remember to avoid common errors such as using "just below of", and ensure the context clearly specifies the point of reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly beneath

Indicates a position that is a small distance underneath, emphasizing proximity.

a little under

Emphasizes that a value or quantity is marginally less than a specified amount.

marginally lower than

Highlights a slight difference in level or position, often used in comparisons.

immediately underneath

Indicates direct vertical adjacency, suggesting no intervening space.

directly below

Specifies a position in a straight line downward, implying a more precise alignment.

just a step down from

Implies a ranking or hierarchical difference that is minimal.

a hair's breadth under

Emphasizes how close a value or position is to another, indicating a very small difference.

in close proximity beneath

Highlights both closeness and the lower positioning of one thing relative to another.

fractionally below

Indicates that a value or level is only slightly less than another, emphasizing the minute difference.

one level down from

Suggests a hierarchical structure where the subject is immediately lower in rank or order.

FAQs

How can I use "just below" in a sentence?

Use "just below" to indicate something is directly or slightly lower than something else. For example, "The town is located just below the mountain range".

What's a synonym for "just below"?

Alternatives include "slightly beneath", "a little under", or "immediately underneath", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "just below" or "underneath"?

"Just below" implies a closer proximity or a smaller difference than "underneath". Use "just below" when you want to emphasize the closeness in position or value.

Is it ever appropriate to use "just under" instead of "just below"?

While both can indicate a lower position, "just under" is generally used for quantities or measurements, while "just below" can apply to physical positions, rankings, or values. For example, "the water level is just below the bridge" versus "the price is just under $10".