a. There's (just) a lot going on right now.
Without 'just', I think (a) means
b. "A lot is going on right now"
rather than
c. "A lot that's going on exists right now".
Right?
Now, if we add 'just' back in (a), where do we put 'just' in (b)?
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listeneva
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(c) doesn't make any sense to me. (a) only works in the sense "The only thing is, there is a lot going on right now" (as an excuse for being too busy to do something).
I differ from DialFrost in thinking that just here means 'simply, only' rather than 'recently'.
Kate Bunting
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Thanks. So you can't really put 'just' in (b)? – listeneva Aug 31 '22 at 12:22
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No, it wouldn't make sense. – Kate Bunting Aug 31 '22 at 12:50
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Thanks. The only way I can think of is It's just that a lot is going on right now. Of course, this is adding more than just just, but does this convey the same meaning? – listeneva Aug 31 '22 at 13:16
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I would consider that the most natural way of expressing it. – Kate Bunting Aug 31 '22 at 14:17