only if, if only, they are so confusing..

Question

What's the difference between only if and if only?Could you give me some examples, please?Thanks a lot

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

"only if" says that A will happen if B happens, and it will not happen if B does not happen.

We will go to the movies ONLY IF you finish your homework.

So, if you don't finish your homework, we don't go.

"if only" is used to say you wish something were other than it is - If only he loved me as I love him! could be a cry of lament. Or "If only I earned more money, I wouldn't have to worry about my bills each month."

You can interrupt the "if only" construction: I wouldn't have to worry about my bills if I only earned more money. This format is fairly informal, mostly spoken English, and I would not write this way professionally.

Philip · Answer

Simply put: "Only if" is setting up one condition for something else to happen. "I will help you only if you let me do it my way."

"If only" expresses a wish that things were different. "If only I had more money, I'd quit working."

Anonymous · Answer

Only if. E.g: I'll go with you, but only if you finish your work on time.

Would you marry him? Only if you ask me too!

I can't think of any example right at this moment, for If only. Actually I haven't heard that much. I can hardly recall any scene in which that example have taken place.

Thanks for the question, now I have to look it up.

Alberto.

Starstuff · Answer

Hi Davidrock65,

In daily speech, "only if" seems to put more emphasis on "if".

"I'll go if you go with me." and "I'll go only if you go with me." See?

only if, if only, they are so confusing..

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions