if only

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If only England had backed Bethell months ago.

From BBC

If only more famous scientists were as self-aware.

From The Wall Street Journal

My mom took a slightly different approach, noting that it was up to us to gently prove we are not the nightmare someone else keeps insisting we are by being nice, being charitable at every opportunity, and making sure everyone knows we’re Muslim if only just to offer them another glimpse of what we are to contrast with what they might assume.

From Slate

Still, I can’t deny it would be eye-opening for most diners to walk a mile in their servers’ shoes—if only to learn how much their feet hurt.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Honest to God, sometimes I read stuff and I go, ‘If only you knew …’ And I don’t have to apply that to myself as a balm so I stop feeling bad.

From Los Angeles Times