Only If
“You fail only if you stop writing.” -Ray Bradbury
If is a conjunction that joins phrases together: it means on the condition that, in the event that, allowing that. An example of if in a sentence would be:
Only is a word that has a few different definitions.
Only can be used as an adverb that tells us about amounts: it means at most, at best, solely. An example of this definition would be:
Only can be used as an adjective that describes a noun: it means single, exclusive. An example of only used this way would be:
“He was an only child.’
Only can be used as a conjunction that joins phrases: it means except, but. An example of only used as a conjunction would be:
Only if is a conjunction which stipulates that what follows is necessarily and true. Its meanings include providing that, assuming that, and as long as.
Sentences with if and sentences with only if can essentially mean the same thing, but only if is a stronger phrase; that is, the conditional aspect of the meaning is more emphasized and prominent.
If Only
“If only, if only, the woodpecker sighs,
The bark on the tree was as soft as the skies.
Crying to the moo-oo-oon, If only, if only."
-Louis Sachar
Let’s separate the words. Again, we will start with a basic sentence that uses the word if without the word only:
If is alerting us that there is a condition to be met. This sentence means, “The woman could buy a big house providing that she had the money.”
If we add the word “only” before the word “if”, then we have a created the only if phrase. This means that we wish that something had happened, could happen, or will happen.
Here, we have expressed a wish rather than stated a condition. By attaching the word only, an element of wistfulness has been added to the sentence. Now the sentence means, “I wish that I was rich so that I could buy a big house (but it will probably never happen.)”
The phrase if only has other meanings and uses as well.
• If only + because is used to give a justification for something (at the same time, possibly implying that the reason is weak):
The phrase if only can mean “just”:
Conclusion
Take care when you use if only ! Inherent in the phrase is a discontentment with the present moment; it is the opposite of the mindful appreciation of what you already have. “If only I could be rich…” “If only I had a beautiful car….” “My life would be better if only I had….”
As opposed to if only, only if can be used as a phrase that builds consistency and sets reasonable boundaries. “You can have dessert only if you eat a bit of your salad.” This phrase can even aspire to save the planet: “The world would be a better place only if people begin to treat each other with respect and tolerance.”
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