Just is one of the commonest words in English. It has many uses.
Just as a time expression
Just can be a time expression. In this case, it is mainly used with the present perfect tense. This is common in British English.
- She has just arrived.
- I have just received your letter.
- They have just left.
- I have just finished the report.
In American English, just can also be used with a simple past tense.
- She just called.
- I just received a call from your Dad.
- She just left.
- I just finished the report.
As a time expression, just means recently.
Just can also mean immediately or in an instant. In this case, it is mainly used with a present continuous tense or ‘going to’.
- I am just leaving for the airport.
- I am just finishing this report.
- She is just getting dressed.
- I am just going to have lunch.
Note the expressions just after, just before, just as and just when.
- Just as I closed my eyes, I heard a loud noise.
- She always comes just when I am ready to leave.
- I thought about it just when she opened her mouth.
Just as an adverb. As an adverb just means ‘only’.
- I just asked. (= I only asked.)
- She is just a child. (= She is only a child.)
