Just vs. Only

Now that you've come so far, I want to teach you more about some grammatically confusing words. If you wanna learn more, join me.

adverbs synonyms

"Just" vs. "Only" in the English Grammar

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both are used to signify something exclusive. However, 'just' can also refer to something that has happened recently. Also, 'just' mainly functions as an adjective and an adverb. 'Only', on the other hand, only indicates something exclusive and it can be an adverb, an adjective, and conjunction.

Differences

As stated above, these two have slight differences in their grammatical functions. 'Just' is mainly an adverb of manner and an adjective. It can signify something/someone exclusively, and also point out something that has taken place recently. Look at the examples below:

But I've just met her.

This one indicates that something has happened recently.

Can I offer just one more thing, sir?

'Only', on the contrary, simply refers to something/someone exclusively. Look at the examples below:

You're already tired? It's only warm-up.

It's weird that I can only touch you.

Similarities

From a grammatical point of view, they are similar in that they are both adjectives and adverbs. If we analyze their meanings, they are similar in that they can both indicate something/someone exclusive. Look at the examples below:

Can I have another glass of water? I only had one.

Like it or not, we can only count on ourselves.

Are They Interchangeable?

We can only replace these two only when 'just' is referring to something/someone exclusively. Otherwise, it is incorrect. Compare:

✓ It seems that Margaret just had one slice of pizza.

✓ It seems that Margaret had only one slice of pizza.

Pay attention to the word order and where we place them.

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