But for Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbət/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ

BUHT-for, BUHT-fer, BUHT-fur

UK

bˈʌt/ /fˈɔː

BUHT-for

التعريف

Used to say that something would not have happened if not for a specific person or thing.

الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة

Formally and mostly in writing, 'but for' means 'if it weren't for.' Usually at the start of a sentence or clause: 'But for your help, I would have failed.' Not commonly used in everyday conversation; more formal than 'if not for.'

• Spanish: de no ser por - si no fuera por
• Portuguese (BR): se não fosse por
• Portuguese (PT): se não fosse por
• Chinese (Simplified): 要不是
• Chinese (Traditional): 要不是
• Hindi: अगर नहीं होता
• Arabic: لولا
• Bengali: না হলে - না থাকলে
• Russian: если бы не
• Japanese: ～がなければ
• Vietnamese: nếu không có
• Korean: ~이/가 없었더라면
• Turkish: olmasaydı
• Urdu: اگر نہ ہوتا
• Indonesian: jika bukan karena

جمل نموذجية

But for the rain, we would have gone to the park.

basic

But for her advice, I would have made a mistake.

basic

I couldn't have finished but for your help.

basic

But for that lucky phone call, things could have gone badly.

natural

I'd never have met you but for that party.

natural

But for his quick thinking, we might have missed the train.

natural