only just after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only just after" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happened immediately following another event, often with a sense of immediacy or slight delay. Example: "She arrived only just after the meeting had started, missing the initial introductions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

His government has only just, after 18 months of talks, signed a deal with the IMF for a loan of $4.8 billion sorely needed to shore up a faltering economy.

The Economist

But ever since Cincinnati I've actually played OK. "It was only just after the French Open that people started to talk more about that because my performance was also not what I like to see for myself.

Independent

The draw leaves both clubs in with a chance of reaching the knock out phase, but only just, after Real Madrid beat F.C. Zurich by a single goal, scored by Gonzalo Higuaín.

The New York Times - Sports

BBC Sussex's Adrian Harms: "Advantage Sussex but only just, after an enthralling day of fluctuating fortunes at the Oval.

BBC

Brent crude prices have stayed above $50 but only just after losing 1.9% today to fall to $51.99.

BBC

She emerged from a storm of hype to take the Diamond Jubilee Stakes trophy back Down Under, albeit only just after jockey Luke Nolen mistook the uphill nature of the final few strides.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The New York Times has reached 1 million digital-only subscribers just four years after it switched to its metered pay model, the company announced Thursday.

Huffington Post

Johnson was "toothless" and "only a baby, just after diapers," Chow said jokingly.

The New York Times - Sports

An only child, Daverio disappeared just after he returned from visiting his mother in a hospital in western Pennsylvania, where she was recovering from congestive heart failure.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Just before C2 and just after C3, only a tiny sliver of the Sun is peeking out from around the Moon.

Cornell University

Blaise Matuidi scored the only goal just after the hour to make it three wins out of three for PSG, who moved three points ahead of Reims and Caen.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only just after" to emphasize the close temporal proximity of two events. It adds a sense of immediacy or slight surprise.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid overusing "only just after" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "immediately after" or "shortly after" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only just after" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it specifies that an event occurred immediately following another. Examples found on Ludwig show it introducing temporal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only just after" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates a close temporal relationship between two events. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While its register is generally neutral, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. For more formal writing, alternatives like "immediately after" might be preferred. Pay attention to the nuances in meaning when choosing between "only just after" and its synonyms to ensure the best fit for your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately after

Emphasizes the instantaneous sequence of events.

right after

A more informal way of saying immediately after.

shortly after

Indicates a brief period following an event.

directly after

Highlights the direct temporal connection.

soon after

Implies that little time passed before the subsequent event.

almost immediately after

Adds emphasis to the speed of the second event following the first.

just following

Focuses on the act of following in time.

on the heels of

A more figurative expression suggesting close succession.

in the immediate aftermath of

Highlights the period directly following a significant event.

on the instant after

An old-fashioned expression suggesting immediate succession.

FAQs

How can I use "only just after" in a sentence?

Use "only just after" to show that something happened very soon after something else. For example, "The rain started "only just after" we got inside."

What is a synonym for "only just after"?

Synonyms for "only just after" include "immediately after", "right after", or "shortly after". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "only just after" or "immediately after"?

Both "only just after" and "immediately after" are correct, but "immediately after" is often preferred in more formal writing. "Only just after" can add a sense of surprise or slight delay.

What does "only just after" imply about the timing of events?

"Only just after" implies that the second event occurred in very close succession to the first, often with a sense of immediacy or that the timing was almost too late or barely within a desired timeframe.