Just, Only, Merely

Just, Only, Merely – What’s the Difference?

Some English words look harmlessly similar, yet quietly cause confusion for learners. Just, only, and merely are a perfect example.

They often appear in the same sentences and are sometimes translated in the same way, but they do not carry the same tone or emphasis. Choosing the wrong one can subtly change the meaning of what you say — especially in writing and exams.

In this lesson, we’ll look at how just, only, and merely are used, what they emphasise, and how to choose the right word in context.

Just

Just is the most flexible of the three words. It often adds emphasis, precision, or a sense of immediacy.

Common uses of just

1. To emphasise limitation (softly)

I just want a cup of coffee.

(You want nothing more — and you’re not being demanding.)

2. To mean “exactly”

She arrived just on time.

(Not early, not late.)

3. To refer to the very recent past

I’ve just finished my homework.

(It happened moments ago.)

Learner tip:

Just often sounds polite and natural in spoken English and informal writing.

Only

Only is clearer and stronger than just. It focuses on exclusivity or restriction and often highlights that something is less than expected.

Common uses of only

1. To show exclusivity

She is the only student who passed the exam.

(No one else passed.)

2. To limit quantity or amount

I have only ten pounds left.

(The amount is small.)

3. To minimise seriousness

It’s only a scratch.

(It’s not serious.)

Common mistake:

Learners sometimes overuse only when just would sound softer and more natural in conversation.

Merely

Merely is more formal and is mainly used in written English. It deliberately downplays importance, sometimes to defend or distance oneself.

Common uses of merely

1. To reduce responsibility

She was merely following instructions.

(She wasn’t making decisions herself.)

2. To make something sound less serious

It was merely a suggestion.

(Not a command or demand.)

3. To show limited ability or status

He is merely a beginner in this field.

(He lacks experience.)

Style note:

Merely is common in essays, reports, and formal arguments, but it can sound stiff in everyday conversation.

Just vs Only vs Merely – Quick Comparison

Exam & Writing Tip (B2–C1)

In Cambridge exams, these words are often tested through:

• Use of English gap-fills
• Sentence transformations
• Writing tasks (tone & register)

Ask yourself:

• Am I limiting something? → only
• Am I softening my statement? → just
• Am I deliberately minimising importance? → merely

That question alone will usually lead you to the right choice.

Final takeaway

• Use just for emphasis or politeness
• Use only for clear restriction
• Use merely to intentionally downplay importance

Small words — big impact.

Learn different ways to add emphasis in English here

Learn 10 pairs of commonly confused words in English here

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