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Kl004535 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

If it weren't for

If it weren't for Vivian, the conference wouldn't be going ahead. (Can it mean that the conference will go ahead?)

If it weren't for the fact that Chloe would be offended, I wouldn't go to the party. (Can it mean that I will go to the party later?)
  

Top answer

Yes in both cases. The subjunctive, "If it weren't for" is just explaining what would have happened if it hadn't been for those two situations. If Vivian hadn't worked hard, or paid a lot of money, or whatever she did to facilitate the conference, there would not have been a conference.

— Sam1947

  • Yes in both cases.
  • The subjunctive, "If it weren't for" is just explaining what would have happened if it hadn't been for those two situations.
  • If Vivian hadn't worked hard, or paid a lot of money, or whatever she did to facilitate the conference, there would not have been a conference.
  • But, she did, apparently, do those things, so there will be a conference.
  • Ditto with your going to the party.
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1 Answers
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Yes in both cases. The subjunctive, "If it weren't for" is just explaining what would have happened if it hadn't been for those two situations. If Vivian hadn't worked hard, or paid a lot of money, or whatever she did to facilitate the conference, there would not have been a conference. But, she did, apparently, do those things, so there will be a conference.

Ditto with your going to
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