Use of 'just'

Question

Which is correct? 1. I just arrived home a few minutes ago. or 2. I've just arrived home a few minutes ago. Interested in an answer. Thanks Paul Email Removed

Miriam · Accepted Answer

Hello, Paul

I'll start with #2 because the explanation will be shorter.
"Just" is one of the time adverbs associated with the present perfect. In sentences like yours, it usually means "only a short time ago".
And that is why you don't need to add "a few minutes ago". The sentence should be either "I've just arrived home" or "I arrived home a few minutes ago".

I'm not quite sure the position of "just" in your first sentence is correct. I personally would move it: "I arrived home just a few minutes ago."
"Just" would mean "only" in that sentence.

Basically, both sentences (with their corrections) have the same meaning.

As far as I know, "just" can be a tricky word. It can be used in different positions within a sentence and in different contexts, with (slightly) different meanings. I'm afraid this is the only explanation I can give you for the isolated sentences you posted.

Perhaps there is something else that I'm not aware of.

Miriam

Elena · Answer

Let me add a sentence of one of my teachers:

NEVER NEVER NEVER present perfect with "ago"!

Use of 'just'

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