just between us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just between us" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize something confidential or private that is being shared between the speaker and the listener. For example, "I wanted to let you know, just between us, that I am considering changing jobs".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

They, too, have had undertakings given and withdrawn – nothing in writing, "just between us", all deniable.

Independent

"That was just between us.

The New York Times - Sports

It was just between us.

The New York Times - Sports

Just between us, I'd really like to say Union.

Independent

"JUST between us girls, Washington is an easy place to get laid".

The Economist

Just between us, it might be a good idea to see Mr. Phillips today.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Neither she nor I usually talk to other passengers when we fly, but something just clicked between us.

The New York Times

He backed off, resettled himself on our stoop, and began to reel off the products he was pushing, never once acknowledging the little scene that had just happened between us.

The New Yorker

Time just got between us," Fateh said.

Vice

The sun was coming through the windows, and we were very close, just the camera between us – I just felt a real warmth and intimacy, and love really.

The Guardian - Arts

From early on, her stock in trade was the earnest celebrity interview, in which she would ask probing, personal, just-between-the-two-of-us questions, and in doing so began to erode the wall that separated the public from the private.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just between us" to create a sense of intimacy and trust with your audience or conversation partner, signaling that the information you're sharing is private and should not be disclosed to others.

Common error

Avoid using "just between us" too frequently, as it can lose its impact and sound insincere. Reserve it for truly confidential or sensitive information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just between us" functions as a discourse marker or pragmatic marker, used to signal confidentiality or privacy. As seen in Ludwig, it is a way of indicating that what follows is not intended for general knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just between us" is a common expression used to indicate that something is confidential or private, primarily employed in neutral to informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions to create a sense of intimacy and trust, encouraging discretion. While broadly acceptable, it's best used sparingly to maintain its impact, and more formal alternatives may be suitable for professional settings. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across various sources, mainly within News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Between you and me

A common and informal way to indicate a secret.

In confidence

Emphasizes the confidential nature of the information shared.

Strictly confidential

Highlights the high level of secrecy required.

Confidentially

Adverb form emphasizing secrecy.

Off the record

Indicates that the information is not for public dissemination.

Don't breathe a word

Stresses the importance of keeping the information completely secret.

This is for your ears only

Highlights that the information is intended for only the listener.

Privately speaking

Emphasizes that the speaker's view is personal and not for general knowledge.

Keep this under your hat

An idiom suggesting secrecy and discretion.

Just so you know

Slightly less secretive; more like sharing information discreetly.

FAQs

How can I use "just between us" in a sentence?

You can use "just between us" to preface a confidential statement, such as: "Just between us, I'm thinking of quitting my job."

What's a more formal alternative to "just between us"?

For a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "in confidence" or "strictly confidential".

What can I say instead of "just between us" in an informal setting?

In more informal situations, alternatives like "between you and me" or "off the record" can be used.

Is it appropriate to use "just between us" in professional writing?

While acceptable, use "just between us" sparingly in professional writing. It's often more appropriate to use more formal language to convey confidentiality. Consider "strictly confidential" or "in confidence" instead.