Tom’s just come here for a month.

[diamondcutter]

Tom’s just come here for a month.

For this sentence, one of my grammar books says it can only be understood as Tom came here a moment ago and he wants to stay for a month, not Tom has already been here for a month.

Do you agree?

 

[emsr2d2]

Yes and no. Ideally, if the "just" is supposed to refer to the length of time he's here for, it should read "Tom's come here for just a month". However, you will hear native speakers use "just" in both positions. It's the same with "only". People say both "He's only got one arm" and "He's got only one arm" to mean the same thing.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, emsr2d2.

Without “just”, Tom’s come here for a month can only mean Tom has already come here and he wants to stay for a month and it doesn’t mean he has already been here for a month. Am I right?

 

[5jj]

Well, it could be said a couple of days before his departure.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, 5jj.

Do you mean Tom has come here for a month also makes sense even though Tom has just made his decision and will make his trip here a few days later?

 

[tedmc]

Tom has just made his decision and will make his trip here a few days later?

Whar do you mean by this? "Has come" means John is already at the place, whereas "come" doesn't necessarily mean that.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, Tedmc.

I misunderstood 5jj's sentence: Well, it could be said a couple of days before his departure.
Now I understand that "his departure" means "his leaving here" not "his leaving his original place".

​

​

 

[teechar]

my grammar books says

Note the mistake.
Which book(s)? Please provide a proper citation.