is just that vs it so happened

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Is just that' is commonly used to provide an explanation or reason for something, while 'it so happened' is used to describe a situation that occurred by chance or coincidence.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 974 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to provide an explanation or reason for something.

"is just that"

This phrase is often used to introduce a clarification or reason for a statement or action. It is commonly used in informal conversations.

Examples:

I can't go out tonight, it's just that I have a lot of work to do.
The reason I didn't call you back is just that I was busy.
It's not that I don't want to help, it's just that I have other commitments.

Show examples from the web [+]

But it is just that... history.
The Commission's plan'D' is just that: propaganda, agitating and wheedling from top to bottom.
The big sister act is just that - an act.
Rebecca... your birth plan is just that, it's a plan.
It is just that I must believe in love.
It is just that this feels like a sofa somewhat knotty.
It is just that Koman has a lover.
It is just that you are so considerate.
It is just that we never seem to arrive.
It is just that I did not react immediately.
We have no objection to the idea as such; it is just that we feel this point would not offer any practical advantages.
It is just that the Member States ratify in accordance with a process that can sometimes differ from one Member State to the other.
I think my loss is just that... mine.
Freedom is just that moment of calm before the dread sets in.
But the thing about the past is just that.
The Arcola Theater Group demands the best and Superior is just that.
There is just that one copy. I swear.
History is just that, Will.
It is just that some are profiting from others.
The problem is just that the report to which Mrs Schaffner's report refers is apparently only available in French.

Alternatives:

simply because
the thing is
the fact is
the reason is
it's just that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a situation that occurred by chance or coincidence.

"it so happened"

This phrase is used to explain that something occurred by chance or unexpectedly. It is often used to narrate events or stories.

Examples:

I ran into an old friend at the store, it so happened that we were both shopping for groceries.
It so happened that I arrived early for the meeting and got a chance to speak with the CEO.
We missed the bus, but it so happened that a taxi was passing by at that moment.

Show examples from the web [+]

But it so happened he was speaking in a Protestant Church.
Now it so happened that at the very same moment,
So clever which, it so happened, it didn't work out!
It so happened that when Finland's Prime Minister offered Russia help, the latter did not even agree to accept it.
He made these preposterous statements to the great applause of his audience, which again, as it so happened, I observed on television.
It so happened I was on my way to Aldebaran.
It so happened that our Zhenzi comes
It just so happened that the vampire never left.
We were in a really creative phase, and it just so happened that Bill Szymczyk pushed record.
It just so happened to be Peña's favorite, too.
It just so happened that the Civil Rights Movement was the perfect thing to help him bring his cause to life.
Now, it just so happened that I got to register the third domain name on the Internet.
And it just so happened, on the fifth week, there was a public teaching by the Dalai Lama.
And it just so happened to fit... like a key in a lock.
On this week's episode of Fright Night: It just so happened that the vampire never left.
Sweep it under a rug and make it so it never happened.
Only this time it happened so quickly.
It happened so quickly, sir.
And it just so happened that while they were showing me... a particularly bad film of, like, a concentration camp... the background music was playing Beethoven.
You know - just - it - it happened so fast.

Alternatives:

by chance
coincidentally
as luck would have it
by coincidence
it turned out that

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is just that vs it so happened

"is just that"

"it so happened"

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