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Unit 1: English In A Minute
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Session 60

Welcome to English In A Minute. Give us a minute and we'll give you a hot tip about English. Grammar, vocabulary... there's so much to learn! And all taught by your favourite BBC Learning English staff!

Activity 1

4 uses of 'just'

Do you have a minute to spare to learn some English? Saskia's got just the information we need - 4 ways to use 'just'! Give us 60 seconds and we'll give you the English!

Watch the video and complete the activity

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Saskia
Hi! I'm Saskia from BBC Learning English. Today, I'm going to tell you 4 ways to use the word 'just' as an adverb.

One way we use 'just' is for things happening at this moment.

Patrick
Do you want to go for a coffee?

Saskia
Hang on! I'm just finishing this video.

'Just' can also mean 'only'. This book cost me just one pound.

Patrick
Wow that was cheap!

Saskia
'Just' often means 'exactly'.

Patrick
What time is it?

Saskia
It's just four o'clock.

Patrick
Saskia, here's a present for you.

Saskia
Thanks! It's just what I wanted!

You can also use 'just' to emphasise other words and expressions. I just love this shirt!

So that's four ways to use 'just'. Just in time! I'd better go for that coffee!

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EIAM Teaser 6mingram_6_modals_deduction_speculation.jpg 8_yt_cover_oyster.jpg______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 ways to use 'just'

1. Things happening at the moment
Just can be used for things happening at the moment.
• I'm just finishing this video.
• The weather is just changing. We can go out now.

2. Only
Just can mean only.
• This book cost me just one pound.
• I need just one more thing.

3. Exactly
Just often means exactly.
• It's just four o'clock.
• That's just what I wanted!

4. Emphasis
Just can be used to emphasise other words and expressions.
• I just love this T-shirt.
• Isn't this just the best day ever?

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