# if only

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/if-only
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this to say that you wish something were true, or that you regret something that happened in the past.

## Examples

- If only I had more time today.
- If only I had studied harder for the exam, I would have passed with a better grade.
- If only the circumstances had been different, they might have pursued their shared ambitions instead of drifting apart over the years.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.