When to use "just"

Question

The word just is one of those overused words that carries little meaning and appears to just clutter up a sentence (oops, did it again).

When is the use of just justified?
What are better, clearer constructions (e.g. replace just with only)
When should the word be dropped altogether?

Robusto · Accepted Answer

I'd say a good rule of thumb is to use it when you need it for clarity or to add a special emphasis.

There were just three jars of honey left.

This is different from

There were three jars of honey left.

because it gives the sense that three jars of honey is not a lot, or at least that you don't think it is.

So the answer is no, don't give it up entirely. Just trust yourself to use it less. Think of it as dieting. If you have the willpower, you can write lean sentences.

apaderno · Answer

As other words, use it when it adds a meaning to the sentence, and not just to use it.

A just and democratic society (it is different from a democratic society).
  We all get our just deserts (it is different from we all get our deserts).
  I've just seen the local paper (it is different from I've seen the local paper).
  They were just interested in making money (it is different from they were interested in making money, but it is similar to they were only interested in making money).
  They are just great (it is different from they are great).
  "Simon really messed things up." "Didn't he just?"

[Reference: The New Oxford American Dictionary.]

jmbmage · Answer

I've pondered this word many times.  It also has a singular/universal/variant side.

Universal
As the Catholic Church says, "It is right and it is just..." where "just" is used to imply law and legality, similar to justice.  This form of "just" applies a meaning that it includes all people, therefore universal.

Singular
"I just want to kiss."  Here it means only me, I am the only one who wants something and the thing I want is only a kiss.

Variant
Then there are others, "just in time", which is neither universal or singular but in this case it's an approximation to a specific time.

Just recently I noticed that just this law is not just onto Bedouins and their herds.

When to use "just"

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