Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Chan-Seung Lee]

[dragn]

No, these two expressions are really not the same.

It only remains to wish you both happiness.

The phrase "it only remains to do something" tends to emphasize that this is the only thing left to do. Everything else has been done; this is the last thing that there is to do, such as saying a final farewell to someone who is leaving, etc.

Ex. "Well, you've checked your baggage, you've got your ticket in your hand, and now they're starting to board the flight. I guess it only remains to say goodbye and wish you a safe trip."

* * * * * *

To wish you both happiness is left to me.

On the other hand, if "something is left to you," it tends to emphasize that nobody else is willing or able to do it, and so you have to do it. You're basically stuck with the job, and so it makes it sound as if you were actually unwilling to do it. It doesn't always necessarily convey this meaning, but it often does.

Ex. "Informing the boss of the tragic accident in the factory was left to me: nobody else had the heart to tell him."

The same thing also applies to your second sentence.

Hope this makes sense.

Greg