if only

Idioms and Phrases

I wish that. For example, If only I had known you were coming I would have met your plane , or If only it would snow on Christmas Eve . [c. a.d. 1000] For a synonym, see would that .

Example Sentences

SEs are typically emitted from a shallow depth below the surface, making it difficult to observe phenomena like surface reconstruction, especially if only a single atomic layer is involved.

From Science Daily

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats may seek to force a vote on Stabenow’s proposal, keeping the possibility of movement alive — if only faintly.

From Salon

It says Russia can use nuclear weapons in the case of a critical threat to its sovereignty, even if only with conventional weapons, an attack on Belarus, or a massive launch of military aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, or other airborne vehicles crossing Russian borders.

From BBC

“They’re invested in their community. They’re creating solutions for themselves. If only they had a corresponding partner. And so for me, it’s like, that’s the strength of leveraging the collective. I’m not the expert on everything.”

From Los Angeles Times

If only more teardrop-tattooed cartel enforcers knew how to code.

From Salon

Related Words

• therefore