Wish (If Only)

4 related grammar points that express the same core idea - compared below so you can tell which one to reach for.

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～ば～のに JLPT N3
～さえ～ば JLPT N2
～ものなら JLPT N2
～ば～ものを JLPT N1

さえ〜ば / ものなら

Wishing for something you do not expect to be possible.

～ものなら vs ～さえ～ば: Use ものなら: 戻れるものなら戻りたい. It marks the condition as barely attainable, which is where the wistfulness comes from. さえ〜ば says one condition would be sufficient, and treats it as perfectly achievable.