8.If only

If only有两种主要用法。

(1)表示目前较难实现的愿望或与过去事实相反的愿望。表示目前较难实现的愿望时使用“If only+主语+过去式”或“if only+主语+could/would do/be”结构;表示与过去事实相反的愿望时使用“if only+主语+had done/been”或“if only+主语+could have done”结构。

Oh，if he could only come．

噢!他要是能来该多好啊。

If only they could find a way to get to the room，or whatever it was，behind the wall．(人教大纲版高一上第83页)

要是他们能找到一条通道进入墙后的那个房间，或无论什么地方，该有多好!

If only you would listen to the reason．

但愿您能听听理由!

If only I could have gone to the movies．

我要是去看了电影该多好啊!

If only you hadn't told Linda what I said．

真希望你没有把我说的话告诉给琳达。

(2)if only还可带一个条件状语从句，该条件句表示一种较难兑现的条件。

If only you would help me type my paper this afternoon，I would not have to burn the midnight oil．

要是你愿意帮我在下午打出我的论文稿，我就不会开夜车了。

If only they were here now，we would be able to discuss the issue together．

如果他们在的话，我们就能一起讨论期刊的问题了。