The Difference between "if only" and "only if"

Consider the following three sentences:

  1. If I had the money, I would get the operation.
  2. If only I had the money, I would get the operation.
  3. I would get the operation only if I had the money.
  • The first expresses a simple failed conditional. I don't have the money, but if I did, I would get the operation.
  • The second expresses a failed conditional with greater emotional content. I don't have the money, but if I did, I would get the operation and it really bothers me.
  • The third expresses a failed conditional, without the emotional content, but with a greater stress on the monetary constraint.

你可能感兴趣的:(The Difference between "if only" and "only if")