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Tach Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

"if only" or "only if"

I understand that "if only" expresses a hope or wish, while "only if" expresses a command or requirement.

I would like to see how natural the following sentences sound. I'd appreciate your help.

1) It matters little who finds the truth, only if it is found.

2) It matters little who finds the truth, if only it is found.

3) It matters little who finds the truth, if only it were found.
  

Top answer

Natural formations: 1. I matters little who finds the truth, just/only if that it is found. 2.

  • Natural formations: 1.
  • I matters little who finds the truth, just/only if that it is found.
  • 2.
  • [good] 3.
  • ] It matters little who found the truth, just/only that it was found.
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2 Answers
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Natural formations:

1. I matters little who finds the truth, just/only if that it is found.

2. [good]

3. [Tenses don't match up.] It matters little who found the truth, just/only that it was found.
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Thanks a lot, Philip.

Your reply made me think about another possibility. Can you help me?

4) It matters little who finds the truth, just/only in case it is found.

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