Why ‘Just’ Is Just Not A Good Word
How many times have you used the word ‘just’ in the last week? You know…things like:
- I’m just dropping you a line…
- I’m just ringing to say…
- I’m just sending you…
- I’m just thinking that…
- I just wanted to ask…
- I just wanted to let you know…
Now try re-reading those opening statements taking out the word ‘just’. (Or the title of this post, taking out the second ‘just’.)
Whaddyathink? If you ask me, they sound a darned sight better, don’t they?
Why detract?
That’s because ‘just’ diminishes the words following it. So when you remove it, you increase the impact of what’s being said.
So my advice is to consider limiting your use of the word ‘just’, saving it for only two types of communication where it can better work its magic:
- When it refers to time and you want to make it clear something has literally ‘just’ happened. (“I just banged my head on the cupboard door.”)
- When you actually do want to diminish the impact of the words that follow. Such as, “I just want to say sorry…” [for something I’m really not sorry about]. Or “I just wanted to thank you for the gift…” [even though it’s hideous and is going straight to the charity shop]. Or “I just think we could do with some time apart…” [because it’s a nicer way of me telling you I want to ditch your sorry arse].
Pay attention
I know myself that the word ‘just’ has a way of creeping into what we’re saying without us even noticing*. But here’s my challenge – for you and for me: for the next week, keep your antenna tuned for every time you use the word ‘just’ and ask yourself, “Did I really want to use that?” Then slowly but surely wean yourself off it, because your personal brand will thank you for it.
Is ‘just’ a word you already know you use too much? What other words do you think diminish the statement that follows? There’s a comment box below crying out to be used. Thank you!
*When I proof read this blog post, I spotted an instance of me inadvertently using ‘just’ in exactly the detracting way I’d been illustrating.
I just want to say how much I agree with you!
Love a pun Denis!
I work part-time and have to stop myself saying “I just work 3 days a week” as it sounds so apologetic and as if I don’t really make much of an effort by only showing up for the three days!
There’s a great example of where you shouldn’t be detracting from the effort you put in.
Whew, I’m now re-evaluating the frequent times I use the word, just because I think you make a really good point! 🙂
And did you use that ‘just’ in your reply in an ironic way?
You’ve certainly made me think this morning Jennifer, gone quite a few times to right ‘just’ and stopped myself for an alternative word or rephrased my sentence altogether 🙂
Excellent!
Totally agree with this – and have to stop myself from doing it. I have to say I think women are more guilty of this (and that opens a whole new can of worms!) But we should be just as confident as our malke colleagues.
Sorry to say it, but I think you’re right about women using it more.
Hi Jennifer, useful post and helpful reminder, thanks. I find myself slipping into the habits of my male manager as he consistently starts emails with “I just wanted to check…” or “just to ask..”. I think the impact he is aiming for is to appear relaxed or casual but it actually comes across as being quite passive aggressive.
As someone who can sometimes slip into passive aggressive language, I’d definitely agree with you.
On reflection I find myself saying “just” but will now reconsider! Thanks for sharing.
Glad it’s given you good for thought Matthew.