The use of the word "just"

[Frownette]

I'm not being a pedant, I want you lot to be!

I was going to say "I was just a bit worried" but then thought that was completely wrong as it implied by the 'just' that that exonerated the entire sentence. Like it was outside of my control.

So I should have said "I was worried". I thought perhaps using 'just' was side stepping the impact of the message.

Thoughts? I'd like a pedant around please

I think it depends what you are trying to express. Is it:

1. that you are a worried, but only a bit worried, (in which case saying 'I am a little worried' might be better or
2. that you are more than a bit worried, in which case say that you are worried without the word 'just' as otherwise you are minimising the impact of the message, or
3. that you are worried but feel you need to justify expressing that eg in case you are accused of interfering or commenting on something that is nothing to do with you? In this event perhaps acknowledge that.

Does that help?

@Fifthtimelucky yes that did help thank you, I meant more #2. I felt that by using the word 'just' I was automatically stepping away from what I was saying and disclaiming it. I'll have to think about this a bit more.