Definition

1. Adverb:
   • A very short time ago; only a moment ago: Refers to an event or action that happened in the immediate past, often within the last few minutes or seconds.

Usage

• The primary use of "just now" is to indicate recent completion of an action. It is typically used with the simple past tense in American English and often with the present perfect tense in British English.
• It emphasizes the immediacy of the past event.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • He has just now arrived. (He arrived a very short time ago.)
  • The sun just now came out. (The sun came out only a moment ago.)
  • I saw her just now at the store. (I saw her a very short time ago at the store.)

Advanced Usage

• "Just now" vs. "Right now": It is critical to distinguish these phrases. "Just now" refers to the immediate past. "Right now" refers to the present moment.
  • I finished my homework just now. (Past: a moment ago)
  • I am doing my homework right now. (Present: at this moment)

Variants and Related Words

• Just (adv.): Can be used similarly to mean "a very short time ago," often without "now."
  • She just left. (She left a moment ago.)
• Recently (adv.): Refers to the near past but over a broader, less immediate timeframe than "just now."
  • I read that book recently. (Sometime in the near past, not necessarily seconds ago.)

Synonyms

• A moment ago
• Only recently
• A short time ago

Related Phrases

• (Only) just: Used for emphasis on the recent completion of an action.
  • The train has only just left. (The train left very recently.)

Notes on Usage

• In some dialects, particularly in British English, "just now" can also mean "at this moment" or "right now," especially in Scottish or South African English. However, in standard international English, the primary meaning is "a moment ago."
  • I'm busy just now. (Scottish English: I'm busy right now.)

Adverb

1. only a moment ago
   • he has just arrived
   • the sun just now came out