just shy of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just shy of" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean "almost" or "very close to" something. For example, you could say "The temperature outside was just shy of 80 degrees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm just shy of sixty-three.

The New Yorker

(She was just shy of twenty-seven).

The New Yorker

(Which weighed just shy of twenty pounds).

The New Yorker

Pricing is just shy of threatening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Profits were just shy of a record.

The New York Times

He died in 2013, just shy of 100.

Princeton University

Sam's diet is just shy of 90 percent fat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr Rubio was just shy of his 38th birthday.

The Economist

Just shy of half of all Chinese men smoke: 49%.

Independent

We didn't clock out until just shy of midnight.

The New York Times - Travel

That was just shy of the track record, 1 44.67.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just shy of" to subtly indicate an amount or number that is slightly less than a round or notable figure. This can make your writing more nuanced and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "just shy of" when absolute precision is required. This phrase implies approximation, which may not be suitable in contexts where exactness is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just shy of" functions as a prepositional modifier, indicating the degree to which a value or quantity falls short of a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just shy of" is a versatile phrase used to express that a value is slightly less than a given number. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, use "just shy of" to soften statements or add a touch of approximation, but avoid it when absolute precision is needed. For more precise alternatives, consider options like "nearly reaching" or "almost attaining".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little under

Directly states that the value is slightly less than the specified amount.

scarcely short of

Indicates there is very little difference between the current state and the targeted level, adding a subtle emphasis.

nearly reaching

Indicates approaching a value but not quite arriving, emphasizing the process of nearing.

not quite at

Implies that something is close but has not reached a particular level or state.

almost attaining

Highlights the act of nearly achieving a specific goal or level.

virtually at

Highlights that the status of something is practically the same as a particular state.

fractionally below

Suggests the difference is small, almost negligible.

in close proximity to

Emphasizes the closeness in terms of space or degree to something else.

marginally less than

Emphasizes that the difference is only slight or marginal.

within a hair's breadth of

Uses a metaphor to communicate the extreme closeness to a state or value.

FAQs

How can I use "just shy of" in a sentence?

You can use "just shy of" to indicate that a value is slightly less than a specific number or amount. For example, "The project cost was "a little under" $1 million".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "just shy of"?

Alternatives include "nearly reaching", "almost attaining", or "a little under", which all convey a similar meaning of being close to a certain value.

Is it appropriate to use "just shy of" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or technical writing, a more precise term might be preferable. However, in most news and general writing, "just shy of" is perfectly suitable.

What's the difference between "just shy of" and "almost"?

"Just shy of" typically refers to a numerical value or quantity, whereas "almost" can refer to a broader range of situations or states. For example, you might say "The event was "nearly reaching" capacity", but "I almost missed the bus".