this is just

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is just" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to downplay a statement or to clarify that something is not as significant as it may seem. Example: "This is just a minor issue that can be easily resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is just art.

The New Yorker

"This is just unbelievable.

Independent

This is just frustrating".

The New York Times

This is just pressure".

The New York Times - Food

This is just science.

The New York Times

This is just incredible".

The New York Times

This is just perfect.

Independent

This is just America.

The New York Times

This is just stupid".

The New York Times

"This is just pandering.

The New Yorker

"This is just amazing".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is just" to provide context that normalizes the situation or offers a sense of perspective, especially when addressing concerns or mitigating perceived overreactions.

Common error

Avoid using "just" excessively in your writing, as it can dilute the impact of your statements and make your language seem less assertive. Vary your vocabulary to maintain a strong, confident tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is just" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the sentence to express a degree of limitation, qualification, or dismissal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to downplay or provide context to a statement. The examples from various sources illustrate this function across diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is just" is a versatile expression used to provide context, minimize concerns, or offer a simplified perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Its frequency in news, academic, and general writing highlights its adaptability and communicative power, making it a valuable tool for nuanced expression. While extremely common, writers should vary their vocabularly by using alternatives like "this is merely", "this is simply", or "this is only" in order not to sound repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is merely

Replaces "just" with "merely", emphasizing the limited significance of something.

This is simply

Uses "simply" instead of "just", conveying ease or lack of complication.

This is only

Substitutes "just" with "only", highlighting exclusivity or limitation.

This is purely

Emphasizes that something is solely and entirely what is stated.

This is basically

Indicates that something is fundamentally or essentially as described.

This is essentially

Similar to "basically", but with a slightly more formal tone.

This is but

Uses "but" to minimize the importance or size of something; more literary.

This is hardly

Indicates that something is definitely not significant or substantial.

This is kind of

Replaces "just" with "kind of", softening the statement and making it less direct.

This is somewhat

Similar to "kind of", but slightly more formal and detached.

FAQs

How can I use "this is just" in a sentence?

You can use "this is just" to downplay a situation, offer reassurance, or provide context. For example, "This is just a minor setback, we can recover quickly."

What can I say instead of "this is just"?

Alternatives include "this is merely", "this is simply", or "this is only", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "this is just"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "this is just". It's a common way to introduce an explanation or perspective.

What's the difference between "this is just" and "this is only"?

"This is just" often implies a sense of downplaying or minimizing, whereas "this is only" can emphasize a limitation or exclusivity. The choice depends on the specific context.