But for Meaning in English
expression
ˈbət/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ
BUHT-for, BUHT-fer, BUHT-fur
bˈʌt/ /fˈɔː
BUHT-for
Definition
Used to say that something would not have happened if not for a specific person or thing.
Usage & Nuances
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 porPortuguese (BR): se não fosse porPortuguese (PT): se não fosse porChinese (Simplified): 要不是Chinese (Traditional): 要不是Hindi: अगर नहीं होताArabic: لولاBengali: না হলে - না থাকলেRussian: если бы неJapanese: ～がなければVietnamese: nếu không cóKorean: ~이/가 없었더라면Turkish: olmasaydıUrdu: اگر نہ ہوتاIndonesian: jika bukan karena
Example Sentences
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