if only
Regretful wishful thinking
If only introduces a wish or regret about something that didn't happen or isn't true: If only I had listened to her, If only we could start over.
The phrase emphasizes longing or frustration—what follows is desired but out of reach.
It can stand alone as a wistful exclamation: If only!
- wishYearned-for outcome
- hindsightRecognition after the fact
- second thoughtsDoubts after deciding
- conditionalDependent on prerequisites
- counterfactualContrary-to-fact supposition
shoulda · regret · longing · imagine · suppose · rueful · woulda · yearning · the one that got away · hypothetical · remorse · contrition · should have known · missed · missed opportunity · too late · desire · subjunctive
- wishful thinkingone day, fingers crossed, with any luck, I wish, I hope
- conditionalsthen, else, conditional, antecedent, counterfactual
- lamentslamentation, wailing, keen, keening, lament
if onlyas it is
In present conditions
such is life · so be it · it is what it is · what's done is done · no regrets
if onlycertainly
Without any doubt
definitely · without a doubt · as a matter of fact · surely · as it happens
if onlyfortunately
By favorable circumstance
thankfully · luckily · thank goodness · no regrets · thank God