if only

Used to express a strong wish for something to be different now or in the future.

• If only I had more time!
• If only we could go tomorrow!
• If only you were here with us!

How to use it: if only + past tense (If only I lived closer to you.); if only + could/would (If only the rain would stop.)

Similar words: I wish

Common phrases: if only someone could, if only someone would

Used to express sadness about something that happened or did not happen in the past.

• If only I had stayed!
• If only we had brought an umbrella!
• If only she had told me sooner!

How to use it: if only + had + past participle (If only I had checked the address.)

Similar words: I wish

Common phrases: if only I had, if only we had

Used to say that something happens for only a short time or to a small degree.

• She smiled, if only briefly.
• The news brought relief, if only for a day.
• The treatment helped, if only slightly.

How to use it: if only for + time period (The music helped, if only for a few minutes.)

Similar words: even if just

Common phrases: if only briefly, if only slightly

Used to give a reason that is enough by itself to justify doing something.

• Go, if only to say hello.
• I kept the letter, if only for its beautiful handwriting.
• She tried again, if only to prove she could.

How to use it: if only to + verb (Read it, if only to check the dates.); if only for something (Go along, if only for the company.)

Similar words: even just, at least

Common phrases: if only to check, if only for fun

Used to give a condition you wish were true, so that something else could happen.

• We could go if only we had a car.
• He would improve if only he practised more.
• The garden could thrive if only it rained.

How to use it: result clause + if only + past tense (We could finish today if only everyone helped.); result clause + if only + would (The plan could work if only they would listen.)

Similar words: if just

Common phrases: if only someone tried, if only someone helped