Lesson
If only
If only means the same as I wish. We can use if only instead of I wish with the same use of tenses.
Examples:
If only I was/were as beautiful as you.
If only I hadn’t dropped the meat.
If only Sandra would tell me the truth.
If only can be more emphatic than wish. It often expresses regret.
Example:
If only you'd told me you had an extra toaster. I wouldn't have bought a new one.
After if only we can sometimes use the present tense in a wish about the future.
Example:
If only the train gets in on time, we'll just catch the three o'clock bus.
Only can sometimes be in mid position: If you'd only told me, I could have eaten it.