⚡ Black Friday Offer: Click here and shop now!

TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

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.
Miss E. profile picture

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 16, 2024 • 27449 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

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!

×

⚡️ Black Friday 2024 ⚡️

Stock up on credits for the entire year!

Grab this offer now!