were just as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were just as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two subjects or situations, indicating that they are equal in some way. Example: "The results of the experiment were just as surprising as we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But newer realities were just as important.

The Economist

The suggested remedies were just as diverse.

The Economist

Many other objects were just as strange.

The New York Times

Expenses were just as painful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were just as bad.

The New York Times - Arts

People in Paris were just as surprised.

The Guardian

American ambiguities were just as evident.

The New York Times

Other councils were just as bad.

The Guardian

Citigroup's motivations were just as great.

The New York Times

The major characters were just as responsible.

The New York Times - Arts

The other Americans were just as excited.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were just as", ensure that you are comparing like qualities or attributes between two subjects for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "were just as" when not making a direct comparison. For instance, saying "They were just as" without specifying what they are comparable to leads to an incomplete thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were just as" primarily functions as a comparative construction. It serves to equate two or more subjects based on a shared attribute or characteristic. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correct usage, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were just as" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative expression. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide applicability, particularly in news and media. The phrase effectively emphasizes the similarity between two subjects, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct, so use it with confidence when you want to draw a comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were equally

Replaces "just as" with "equally", emphasizing the equal nature of the comparison.

were as

Omits "just", resulting in a slightly less emphatic comparison, focusing on equivalence.

were simply as

Substitutes "just" with "simply", softening the emphasis on equality.

were virtually the same

Shifts from direct comparison to highlighting near identity.

were practically identical

Emphasizes a very high degree of similarity, bordering on indistinguishable.

were of equal

Focuses on the equivalence in terms of a specific attribute or quality.

were on par

Highlights the equivalence in terms of level or standard.

were comparable

Indicates a degree of similarity that allows for comparison.

were analogous

Suggests a similarity based on a relationship or structure.

were much the same

Emphasizes a broad similarity, focusing on overall likeness.

FAQs

How can I use "were just as" in a sentence?

Use "were just as" to compare two things that have similar qualities or characteristics. For example, "The challenges we faced then "were just as" difficult as the ones we face now".

What phrases are similar to "were just as"?

Phrases with similar meaning include "were equally", "were as", and "were comparable".

Is "were just as good" grammatically correct?

Yes, "were just as good" is grammatically correct. It is used to indicate that two or more things are equal in quality. For example, "The sequels "were just as" good as the original movie".

What's the difference between "were just as" and "were as"?

"Were just as" emphasizes the equivalence more strongly than "were as". "Just" adds a level of emphasis. The sentence "They "were just as" happy" implies a greater degree of happiness compared to "They "were as" happy".