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If only I were rich vs If only I was rich

Both phrases are correct, but are used in different contexts. 'If only I were rich' is the more formal, grammatically correct version, using the subjunctive mood. 'If only I was rich' is a more informal, commonly used version, though it's considered less grammatically correct.
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Explained by Miss E.
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Last updated: August 16, 2024 • 27424 views

If only I were rich

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts. It uses the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical situation.

This phrase is used to express a wish or desire for something that is not true or likely to happen. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts.

Examples:

  • If only I were rich, I would travel the world.
  • If only I were rich, I could buy that house.
  • If only I were rich, I would help those in need.
  • If only I were rich, life would be easier.
  • If only I were rich, I could pursue my dreams.
  • Apr 4, 2022 ... It is used for alternative scenarios ("If that were true" [it isn't]), wishes ("If only I were rich" [I'm not]) and commands ("I insist that ...
  • Nov 28, 2012 ... If only I were rich. Ojalá que fuera rico. If only they had asked me. Ojalá que me hubieran pedido. However, the meaning can also be just a ...
  • Aug 22, 2017 ... For e.g. if someone says "if only I were rich" and I want to add on something like " then you would have been/would be wasting your money" what ...
  • May 23, 2019 ... Maybe I should hire some help or something, if only I were rich :upside_down_face: Vinc3r May 23, 2019, 3:26pm 24. It's a shame that you've ...
  • Jun 7, 2022 ... #turrettuesday #towertuesday #tudortuesday #tudorrevival #turret #tower #brickwork. more. demirdjiansilva. If only I were rich I just need a .
  • May 11, 2010 ... If only I were rich enough and lived long enough, I would love to learn enough to be able to explain why Sauternes age from a light lemon ...
  • Jun 25, 2018 ... If only I were rich, I'd be more generous. That was what I used to think. But here's a sobering realisation from the Bible: It is the ...
  • Jan 12, 2021 ... If only I were rich! 2. If only that I were rich! Are both sentences 1 and 2 correct and the same in meaning? See a translation.
  • If only I were rich and famous..... Oh and thank you for looking that up. I had never heard of it.. 2 ary. Gloria Shaheen Dahbour. Sharon White me neither ...
  • December 14, 2018 12/14/18. If only I were pretty, if only I were rich, if only I were successful, if only I could move somewhere else, if only I could start ...

Alternatives:

  • If only I was rich
  • I wish I were rich
  • I wish I was rich
  • If I were rich
  • I would be rich

If only I was rich

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts, although it is considered less grammatically correct. It is used to express a wish or desire for something that is not true or likely to happen.

This phrase is used informally to express a wish or desire for something that is not true or likely to happen. It is more commonly used in everyday speech.

Examples:

  • If only I was rich, I could buy a new car.
  • If only I was rich, I would quit my job.
  • If only I was rich, I could afford a vacation.
  • If only I was rich, life would be easier.
  • If only I was rich, I could help my family.
  • Jun 1, 2024 ... I can finally use Pendant of Divan, if only I was rich enough to buy it (also what happened to the Achievement flair?)
  • Aug 14, 2018 ... Growing up we all have something we're desperate to change about ourselves, thinking if only I was skinny, if only I was rich, if only this ...
  • Oct 21, 2024 ... If only I was rich! If only my parents were rich! The manager is also the owner of the business. It's a very small bakery. And in ...
  • Feb 1, 2015 ... ... IF ONLY I WAS RICH IF ONLY HE/SHE LOVED ME IF ONLY I WAS MARRIRD IF ONLY I WASS SINGLE IF ONLY I WAS ABROAD IF ONLY MY PARENTS WERE RICH ...
  • Jul 31, 2013 ... Its so beautiful! D:> If only I was rich that I could bid for that beauty!
  • View all 3 comments · slick_slicers. If only I was rich enough to buy all of ... more. 4 days ago. steven_cocker_sheffield_knives. •. Follow.
  • 1984 If Only I was Rich Instead of Beautiful NoteBook · Item details · Shipping and return policies · Other reviews from this shop · Meet your sellers · More from ...
  • Aug 8, 2015 ... If only I was rich, instead of so damned good lookin ! Jason Myres. Administrator. Aug 11, 2015 · #29 · tom mcgarrity said: Thanks. If ...
  • Feb 2, 2015 ... Perhaps it's because somewhere inside of myself I've always retained the illusion that if only I was rich or successful or accomplished ...
  • Dec 7, 2015 ... so easy to play, so precise .... ZON is a very good Brand , and this model is one of their best ! if only I was rich ..... : ...

Alternatives:

  • If only I were rich
  • I wish I were rich
  • I wish I was rich
  • If I were rich
  • I would be rich

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