just contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is limited to or only includes certain elements or aspects. Example: "The report just contained the basic information without any detailed analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Because, as promised, my case just contained clothes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The anger wasn't just contained to the hash-tag #jewishmums.

Independent

The full panoply of human nature, I learned that summer, was not just contained in straight folk.

The Guardian - Opinion

The administration made an unrealistic assumption that North Korea would go away if the United States just contained it.

The New York Times

He finally let her open the letter, which just contained 4 post cards from the British Museum, with an impersonally friendly inscription.

The New Yorker

Witness this musing: "Most of the time I wonder if my recent musical experiences are real or if they are just contained within my mind".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The email he sent shortly before he blew himself up does not just contain a warning.

The Guardian

Rather than just containing the oil as it gushes into the gulf, sealing the well would stop the leak.

The New York Times

Yet central London doesn't just contain pigeons, if – as Goode says more than once – you have eyes to see.

Independent

The army and police, with whom we share security and commercial interests, are (albeit only just) containing the extremists in Benghazi.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Setteducati, for example, has patented toys (he has even patented a book, "The Magic Show," that doesn't just contain magic tricks; it seems to perform them).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just contained", ensure the context clearly indicates the limited scope or specific contents being described. This helps avoid ambiguity and emphasizes the exclusivity of the elements included.

Common error

Avoid using "just contained" when the contents are not truly limited or exclusive. If other elements are present, use alternative phrasing that reflects a more inclusive composition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just contained" functions as a limiting descriptor, specifying that something included only particular items or aspects. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this phrase often introduces a finite scope or a restrictive condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just contained" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, primarily found in news and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to limit or specify the exclusive contents of something. When writing, using this phrase can add clarity and precision, but it's crucial to ensure that the context genuinely reflects a limited scope. Related phrases like "solely included" or "exclusively comprised" can provide nuanced alternatives. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and clearly define the elements that are being "just contained".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely included

Emphasizes exclusivity in inclusion; nothing else was present.

exclusively comprised

Highlights that the subject is made up of only the specified elements.

merely held

Indicates that the containment was basic or minimal.

simply consisted of

Stresses the straightforward composition of the subject.

only encompassed

Focuses on the scope of what was included, implying nothing more.

purely retained

Highlights the act of keeping something in its original form, unchanged.

strictly limited to

Emphasizes a firm boundary on what is included, barring anything else.

entirely confined to

Indicates a complete restriction within specified parameters.

uniquely possessed

Highlights that the subject is the only one that has such elements.

singularly featured

Focuses on the elements that make up the subject, implying uniqueness.

FAQs

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

Use "just contained" to indicate that something included only specific elements and nothing else. For instance, "The report "just contained" the basic information" suggests the report was limited to only basic details.

What are some alternatives to "just contained"?

Alternatives include phrases like "solely included", "exclusively comprised", or "merely held", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a specific aspect of limited inclusion.

Is it correct to say "only contained" instead of "just contained"?

Yes, "only contained" is grammatically correct and often interchangeable with "just contained". Both phrases indicate that something was limited to specific elements. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "just contained" and "primarily contained"?

"Just contained" implies exclusivity—nothing else was present. "Primarily contained" suggests that while certain elements were the main components, others may also have been present. Choose based on the accuracy of the description.