just scratched the surface vs only scratched the surface

Both phrases 'just scratched the surface' and 'only scratched the surface' are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the idea of exploring or understanding only a small part of a subject or problem.

Last updated: April 14, 2024 • 120 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"just scratched the surface"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has only superficially explored or understood a topic, issue, or problem.

Examples:

I've just scratched the surface of this complex issue.
We've only just scratched the surface of what needs to be done.
She's just scratched the surface of her potential.

Show examples from the web [+]

All too soon it was over and we left feeling we had just scratched the surface of this fascinating Republic.• So far, research into psychoneuroimmunology ...
The investigation of the governor's staff revealed some suspicious dealing. It is thought that the investigators have just scratched the surface. We don't know ...
Sep 30, 2014 ... “The human brain is the most complicated biological structure in the known universe. We've only just scratched the surface in understanding how ...
6 days ago ... You just scratched the surface of the curse of Crystal Lake There's no escape! Jason's coming for you! You're all doomed! .
May 6, 2017 ... Dak Prescott says Cowboys 'just scratched the surface' in 2016: 'We're just getting started'. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) ...
But, as far as we've come in recent years, I'm convinced we've just scratched the surface of the enormous potential of connected aerospace.
Kevin O'Connell believes Justin Jefferson has 'just scratched the surface' with Vikings offense. Published: Mar 02, 2023 at 07:23 AM.

Alternatives:

barely scratched the surface
only touched the tip of the iceberg
only skimmed the surface
only delved superficially
only explored the surface

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"only scratched the surface"

This phrase is used to convey the idea that someone has explored or understood only a small part of a subject or problem, implying that there is much more depth to be uncovered.

Examples:

We've only scratched the surface of what can be achieved.
He's only scratched the surface of his potential.
The report only scratches the surface of the issue.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 18, 2022 ... Although the past years brought major advances in research on sRNAs, we have perhaps only scratched the surface, even more so considering RNA ...
So far, we have only scratched the surface of the information available on this topic.• All too soon it was over and we left feeling we had just scratched ...
You only scratched the surface. 2. Fig. to just begin to find out about something; to examine only the superficial aspects of something. The investigation of ...
Jul 31, 2023 ... Coming off 107-catch year, Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb 'only scratched the surface' of his potential. play. Jerry Jones: I'm confident Dak Prescott can ...
Apr 18, 2022 ... Although the past years brought major advances in research on sRNAs, we have perhaps only scratched the surface, even more so considering ...
you have only scratched the surface of what you're capable of there are decades of victories ahead of you. Rupi Kaur, Home Body.
Jan 18, 2023 ... Packers have only scratched the surface with Christian Watson. Rookie receiver overcame early setbacks to become offensive spark.
Jan 31, 2022 ... We've only scratched the surface of the full potential for the data warehouse · Business intelligence: The data warehouse is used to help ...
Mar 30, 2021 ... WHO report on coronavirus origins 'only scratched the surface,' scientists say. The research team stressed that it could be months, ...

Alternatives:

just scratched the surface
barely scratched the surface
only touched the tip of the iceberg
only skimmed the surface
only delved superficially

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just scratched the surface vs only scratched the surface