Focus Adverbs: Only, Just, Even

Exercises

Explanation

1. ONLY — expressing limitation and restriction

The adverb only is used to restrict meaning. It shows that something applies to one person, one action, one moment, or one option—and not to anything else.

a) Only + subject

This structure limits who performs the action.

Example:

Only Daniel noticed the mistake.
→ Nobody else noticed it.

b) Only before the verb

This limits what kind of action is done.

Example:

Daniel only explained the problem.
→ He didn’t solve it or fix it—he just explained it.

c) Only before the object or phrase

This limits what the action affects.

Example:

Daniel explained only the final step.
→ He did not explain everything.

Key guideline

When using only, always ask yourself: What exactly am I limiting?

Place only immediately before the word or phrase you want to restrict.

Additional examples:

• I only check social media in the evening.

• She stayed only for the opening session.

• They invited only senior staff members.

2. JUST — simplicity, recent time, or exactness

The adverb just is more flexible and has several common meanings at B2 level.

a) Just = simply / nothing more

This use softens a statement or reduces its importance.

Examples:

• I just wanted to clarify one point.

• He just shared his opinion—nothing else.

b) Just = very recently

Often used with the present perfect or past simple, especially in spoken English.

Examples:

• She has just arrived from Berlin.

• The meeting just ended a few minutes ago.

c) Just = exactly / precisely (often expressive)

This meaning adds emotional emphasis and is common in conversation.

Examples:

• That’s just the explanation I was looking for.

• The timing was just perfect.

3. EVEN — unexpected, surprising, or extreme cases

The adverb even highlights something that is unexpected or goes beyond normal expectations. It draws attention to extremes.

Position rule: Even appears directly before the word or phrase that causes surprise.

Examples:

• Even the organiser was confused by the schedule.

• She didn’t even read the instructions.

This tells the listener:

If this person or thing was affected, then the situation must be serious or surprising.

Additional examples:

• Even after repeated warnings, he ignored the advice.

• I can’t believe you even remembered my first email!

4. Placement rules for only, just, and even

Correct positioning is crucial for clarity and natural-sounding English.

a) With a single main verb

Place the adverb before the verb.

• She only noticed the error later.

• I just remembered your message.

• They even offered additional support.

b) With auxiliary verbs (have, be, will, can, etc.)

Place the adverb after the first auxiliary.

• She has just completed the training.

• We can only postpone the meeting once.

• They will even cover the travel expenses.

c) With be as the main verb

Place the adverb after the verb be.

• He is only a trainee.

• This was just a suggestion.

• The result is even better than expected.

Final overview

• Only restricts meaning and shows limitation

• Just expresses simplicity, recent time, or exactness

• Even highlights surprise or extreme cases

• Word order matters: place the adverb close to what you want to emphasise