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i was just joking vs i was joking

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "I was just joking" implies that the joking was recent or immediate, while "I was joking" simply states that joking occurred at some point in the past.

Last updated: March 20, 2024

i was just joking

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that the joking was recent or immediate, often to clarify that a statement was not meant seriously.

Examples:

  • I didn't mean to offend you. I was just joking.
  • Don't take it seriously. I was just joking around.

Alternatives:

  • I was only joking
  • I was just kidding
  • I was just messing around

i was joking

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is a simple statement that joking occurred at some point in the past, without emphasizing recency.

Examples:

  • I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I was joking.
  • She thought I was serious, but I was just joking.

Alternatives:

  • I joked
  • I made a joke
  • I was kidding

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