if only

**beachboy** · 09-Sep-2011, 11:27

If only my boss hasn't wanted me to work all day long.
Is it ever possible to use present perfect following if only?

**Afit** · 09-Sep-2011, 11:32

Originally Posted by beachboy

If only my boss hasn't wanted me to work all day long.
Is it ever possible to use present perfect followed by if only?

Do not ever use present tense after "if only". "has wanted" is present tense.

**Raymott** · 09-Sep-2011, 11:44

Originally Posted by beachboy

If only my boss hasn't wanted me to work all day long.
Is it ever possible to use present perfect followed by if only?

No, you can't use "if only" with the present perfect like this. (As least, I can't think of any context in which it's possible).

**riquecohen** · 10-Sep-2011, 01:56

Originally Posted by Afit

Do not ever use present tense after "if only". "has wanted" is present tense.

"Has wanted" is present tense? Have you heard of the present perfect? You have been asked more than once to state that you aren't a teacher.

Thread: if only