Search from various English teachers...
Les Villain
Hi. I'm still confused
It's like the universe is out to get me today. I swear, if one more thing goes wrong today, I might just lose it.
What's ' just" in this sentence ?
Is it equivalent of "really "?
Mar 16, 2025 3:27 AM
Answers · 6
1
Not really. In this case, it's just (simply) being used as an intensifier. It's quite a common usage. For example: He just won't listen to me. He just gets on my nerves. I just love your earrings.
'Just' makes the sentiment stronger.
Mar 16, 2025 7:17 PM
1
Well, more like 'simply' or 'even'. 'Just' can mean 'really' but if I swap 'just' for 'really' in your sentence, it wouldn't mean the same thing exactly. 'Really lose it' would be stressing the intensity of the anger, but 'might just lose it' shows how very close to breaking point the writer is.
Mar 16, 2025 5:09 PM
1
I wouldn’t say it is intensifier, exactly.
‘To ‘just’ do something’ here suggests that the something is unlikely or surprising. You are describing something in an extreme way that isn’t normal.
I just hate Shakespeare. (Most people wouldn’t describe their feelings in such an extreme fashion)
I’m just smarter than you. (It’s a rather sweeping statement that sounds rather impolite, so we normally wouldn’t say it)
Mar 18, 2025 3:36 AM
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Les Villain
Language Skills
English, Filipino (Tagalog)
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
12 likes · 11 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
13 likes · 11 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
10 likes · 6 Comments
More articles