if only

USAGE SUMMARY

'if only' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a wish, often regretfully, for something different from what is actually the case. For example: If only I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If only... if only.

Independent

If only, if only, if only.

The New York Times

If only….

Network Security

If only this, if only that.

Independent

If only he'd prepared!

The New York Times

If only it did.

The New Yorker

If only she could.

The New York Times

If only he could.

The New Yorker

Even if only accidentally".

The New Yorker

If only there were.

The New York Times - Books

Oh, if only.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if only" to express a strong desire for a different past, but be mindful that excessive use can make writing sound overly sentimental or passive.

Common error

Don't overuse "if only" in situations where taking action is still possible. Reserve it for expressing regret about situations that are firmly in the past and unchangeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if only" functions as an exclamatory expression of regret or a wish for a different past. It introduces a conditional statement that is contrary to fact, highlighting a desire for an alternative outcome, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if only" is a common expression used to convey regret or a strong desire for a different past. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various sources, particularly in news and media. Related phrases such as "I wish" or "had I only" can offer similar sentiments. When using "if only", be mindful of potential overuse and reserve it for situations where expressing regret is most appropriate. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in expressing longing for alternative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wish

Shorter and more direct expression of a wish or regret.

if I could only

Highlights the lack of ability to change a situation.

how I wish

Emphasizes the intensity of the wish.

had I only

Emphasizes the regret related to a past action.

would that

A more formal and less common way to express a wish.

I regret that

Directly states regret about a past event or situation.

alas

Expresses sorrow or regret, often in a literary context.

it's a pity

Expresses sorrow or regret about a situation.

too bad

Informal way of expressing regret or disappointment.

I long for

Expresses a deep yearning or desire for something.

FAQs

How can I use "if only" in a sentence?

The phrase "if only" is used to express a wish or regret about something that has happened or not happened. For example, "If only I had studied harder for the exam" expresses regret about not studying enough.

What's a good alternative to "if only"?

Alternatives to "if only" include "I wish", "had I only", or "I regret that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "if only" or "I wish that"?

Both "if only" and "I wish that" can express similar sentiments of regret or longing. "If only" is generally more emphatic and concise. "I wish that" may be used when a more elaborate or formal statement is required.

What does "if only" imply in a sentence?

The phrase "if only" typically implies a sense of regret or longing for a different outcome. It suggests that the speaker believes a past event or decision could have been better, leading to a more desirable current situation.