English grammar
If only + past simple (it isn't true) vs let's hope + present (it might be)
Wish strongly for something that isn't true, and hope for something still possible.
From the scene If only we had a terrace
In short
If only + past simple is a strong wish for something untrue. Let's hope + present is for something still possible.
Your turn
Which one goes with if only + were?
Options: if only we had a terrace · let's hope there are good views · if only there were a lift
Show answer
if only + were → if only there were a lift
How it works
If only + past simple is a stronger, more emotional I wish: if only we had a terrace (we haven't).
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
And let's hope you (blank) the price too.
Options: like · liked · would like
Show answer
And let's hope you like the price too.
Y ojalá también os guste el precio.
Good to know
With be, careful English uses were: if only there were a lift.
Good to know
For something that could still turn out well, use let's hope + present: let's hope there are good views.
if only + past (not true) if only we had a terrace
Nuria
How lovely! If only we had a terrace to have breakfast outside.
¡Qué bonito! Ojalá tuviéramos terraza para desayunar fuera.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
How lovely! (blank) to have breakfast outside.
Options: Let's hope there are good views · If only we had a terrace · If only there were a lift
Show answer
Nuria
How lovely! If only we had a terrace to have breakfast outside.
¡Qué bonito! Ojalá tuviéramos terraza para desayunar fuera.
if only + were if only there were a lift
Nuria
If only there were a lift... A fourth floor with no lift, again!
Ojalá hubiera ascensor... ¡Otra vez un cuarto sin ascensor!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank)... A fourth floor with no lift, again!
Options: Let's hope there are good views · If only there were a lift · If only we had a terrace
Show answer
Nuria
If only there were a lift... A fourth floor with no lift, again!
Ojalá hubiera ascensor... ¡Otra vez un cuarto sin ascensor!
let's hope + present (possible) let's hope there are good views
Javi
Well, let's hope there are good views from up here.
Bueno, ojalá haya buenas vistas desde aquí arriba.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Well, (blank) from up here.
Options: let's hope there are good views · if only we had a terrace · if only there were a lift
Show answer
Javi
Well, let's hope there are good views from up here.
Bueno, ojalá haya buenas vistas desde aquí arriba.
let's hope + present let's hope it's got room for two chairs
Your turn
What goes with let's hope it's got room for two chairs?
Options: let's hope + present · if only + past (not true) · if only + were
Show answer
let's hope it's got room for two chairs → let's hope + present
Common mistake
Not are or will be here. There isn't one.
If only there were a lift... A fourth floor with no lift, again!
Ojalá hubiera ascensor... ¡Otra vez un cuarto sin ascensor!
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| if only + past (not true) | if only we had a terrace |
|---|---|
| if only + were | if only there were a lift |
| let's hope + present (possible) | let's hope there are good views |
| let's hope + present | let's hope it's got room for two chairs |
More lines from the story
- RamónAnd let's hope you like the price too.Y ojalá también os guste el precio.
- JaviLook! You can see the whole square.¡Miren! Se ve toda la plaza.
- RamónThere's no terrace. But there's a balcony... a tiny one.Terraza no hay. Pero hay un balcón... pequeñito.