only just before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only just before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happened immediately prior to another event or action. Example: "She arrived only just before the meeting started, catching the last few moments of the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Hoon stood down before the last election, but only just before, meaning that de Piero wasn't selected until February 2010 and had only three months to launch, run and win a campaign.

The Guardian

They will receive the body only just before the funeral.

The Guardian

Ipswich created chances but equalised only just before half-time through Finidi George's overhead kick.

The Guardian - Sport

But Plath's engagement with "the world's hardest things" came only just before she killed herself.

The New Yorker

They reunited only just before Clark's death, at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1991.

The Guardian - Music

It was only just before his death 12 years later that Mr. Rosenthal spoke to his son about the shooting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They went down 1-0 at Fulham on Saturday, with Hugo Rodallega scoring the only goal just before half-time.

BBC

Stanislav Dragun nodded home Igor Stasevich's free-kick for the game's only goal just before half-time.

BBC

The two curves for this situation presented in Figs. 6 and 7 only indicate a slight peak just before failure.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

Corr scored the only goal of the game just before half-time as he neatly fired home Will Atkinson's corner.

BBC

And I watch the relationship exist in this beautiful space, reserved only for those just before and just after me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place "only" directly before the word or phrase it modifies to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "He arrived just before only," write "He arrived only just before."

Common error

Avoid placing "only" in a position that changes the intended meaning. For instance, "I ate only just before leaving" implies you did nothing else. "I ate just before leaving only" is grammatically incorrect. Place it right before "just before."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only just before" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the timing of an action or event. It indicates that something happened immediately preceding another event, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only just before" is a grammatically sound and useful adverbial phrase that indicates that something happened immediately preceding another event. While it is an "Uncommon" expression, it is suitable for various contexts, but most prominently in "News & Media" or "Science". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid. When using "only just before", ensure that "only" is placed directly before "just before" to avoid ambiguity. Simpler alternatives include "right before" and "shortly before". Keep in mind that while "just before" implies precedence of events, "only just before" adds the sense of immediacy. Avoid misplacing "only", as it can significantly change the meaning of the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right before

A more concise and common alternative to "only just before".

shortly before

Indicates a brief time interval before an event.

just prior to

A slightly more formal synonym for "only just before".

directly before

Emphasizes the immediate succession of events.

immediately preceding

Replaces "only just before" with a more formal term.

almost immediately before

Adds emphasis on the closeness in time.

in close proximity to

Focuses on the temporal nearness of the events.

on the verge of

Indicates that something is about to happen.

at the point of

Highlights the exact moment preceding an event.

scarcely before

A less common but semantically similar option.

FAQs

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

Use "only just before" to indicate that something occurred immediately preceding another event. For example: "She finished the project "only just before" the deadline."

What is a simpler way to say "only just before"?

Alternatives include "right before", "shortly before", or "immediately before" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal alternative to "only just before"?

Yes, "just prior to" is a more formal substitute for "only just before".

What's the difference between "only just before" and "just before"?

"Only just before" emphasizes the very short time between two events, while "just before" ("just before") simply indicates that something happened before another event without necessarily implying immediacy.