If only, only if (Advanced)

What is the difference between if only and only if?

If only is used to used to express a wish with reference to present or future time. Examples: If only I were clever (Notice the subjunctive "were" used here). If only there would be more comments on this blog( Meaning it would be nice to have more comments from readers!)

If only can also be used to express a wish that past events had been different. Examples: If only I had been at the doctor's earlier. If only he had studied harder, he wouldn't have to drop out of school (an expression meaning he left school).

Only if, when used at the beginning of a sentence, making the verb in the following clause precede its subject. Examples: Only if his mother has given permission is Tom allowed to go the town centre. Only if she can listen to the radio beforehand, does her do homework.

However, most people wouldn't put "only if" in the beginning of a sentence whilst speaking, as it can be a bit awkward. The plain way of using "only if" would be: She does her homework only if she can listen to the radio beforehand, or, she only does her homework if she can listen to the radio beforehand (separating "only" and "if" but retaining the meaning)

Robbie Elden

Feel free to e-mail me with your questions! robintheelf@hotmail.com