Sports Divided

a bit confused

I'm a bit confused.

This is a common phrase people use to show they are unclear about something. 'A bit' just means 'a little bit'. Notice the following:

1. I'm a bit confused. Is the homework due tomorrow?
2. If you find yourself a bit confused, please ask for help.

just wanted

Each country just wanted to keep their national team.

The words 'just wanted' means 'only wanted'. We use the word 'just' to show their is not much importance to the answer or meaning, or only one reason for it. Notice the following:

1. I just wanted to say goodbye before you left.
2. This morning I just wanted to stay in bed.

in the case of

In the case of Olympics, the committee did not want four teams.

'In the case of' means 'in the situation regarding', so in the sample above you could say, 'In the situation regarding the Olmpics'. Notice though that the phrase 'in case of' is different. It means 'if there is', as in 'In case of emergency, call for help'. Notice the following different uses:

1. In the case of the car company, they simply did not make good cars.
2. In case of an earthquake, please stand under a door.

exact reason

I am not sure of the exact reason.

When someone does not know the exact reason, that means they only know some of the reason, perhaps most of the reason, but that there might be details they do not know. Here are some examples:

1. I don't know the exact reason he quit, but I do know he was unhappy.
2. For the exact reason, you will have to ask her.

still very much

We're still very much four independent countries.

The phrase 'still very much' is used to show that something is unchanged and remains in its original state. Here are some examples:

1. After forty years of marriage, we are still very much in love.
2. We are still very much excited to go on our trip despite the weather.