If only for: a limited reason

The idea

After the action, if only to introduces a purpose, if only because a reason, and if only for or if only as a noun phrase. The stated reason may be the only one, but other reasons can exist.

Examples

• Visit the museum, if only to see the old maps.
• We should call Mira, if only because she knows the route.
• He opened the window, if only for a little fresh air.
• They joined the meeting, if only to listen.
• Take a break, if only because you have been working all morning.
• I kept the note, if only as a reminder of our trip.

Watch out

Do not confuse this use with if only expressing a wish or regret. It does not require inversion of subject and verb.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. Read the report, if only ___ understand the issue. (to / because)

   Show answer or example answer

   to

   to introduces the purpose of reading the report.

2. Choose the correct option. We should ask Lee, if only ___ Lee has the key. (because / to)

   Show answer or example answer

   because

   because introduces the clause about Lee having the key.

3. Choose the correct option. Keep the box, if only ___ a place for the cables. (as / because)

   Show answer or example answer

   as

   as introduces the box’s role as a place for the cables.

Use it today

Write a recommendation with a limited reason, then try the choices.