But for

Question

Hi,I wonder how do you use 'but for' in a conditional sentence. Does it mean "if it weren't for sb"?I've found it in the third conditional, but can it also appear in the second conditional as well?Thank you.

Annvan · Accepted Answer

Yes, we can use "but for" with a similar meaning to "if it wasn't/weren't for" or "if it hadn't been for".
Not sure if it can be used in the second conditional though...

More info - quoting from 'Advanced Grammar in Use' (M. Hewings, p.182, new edition):

'... We use "but for" to say what would or might have happened if the thing introduced by "but for" had not happened:
- The country would now be self-sufficient in food but for the drought last year. (= if there hadn't been the drought...)
- But for the leg injury he suffered last year, he would probably have been picked for the national team by now. (= if he hadn't injured his leg...)

However, some people use "except for" in the same way as "but for", particularly in informal spoken English:
- I'd have got there on time except for the taxi being late. (or: ...but for the taxi being late.)
- Except for the problems with my computer, I would have got the book finished weeks ago. (or: But for the problems on my computer...)

Magda · Answer

Thanks a lot, Annvan <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

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