Looking up...
but for
/bʌt fɔːr/
except for
But for his quick thinking, the accident would have been worse.
If it weren't for his quick thinking, the accident would have been worse.
formal
used to introduce the only thing or person that prevents a situation from being different
But for the rain, we would have gone out.
If it weren't for the rain, we would have gone out.
She would have failed but for her teacher's help.
She would have failed if her teacher hadn't helped her.
Often used in hypothetical or conditional sentences to express the only exception.
Collocations
but for the fact thatused to introduce a clause expressing the exception
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'but'
The phrase 'but for' is a fixed expression meaning 'except for.' Do not confuse it with the conjunction 'but,' which is used to introduce a contrast.
Gold Rule
Use in hypotheticals
The phrase 'but for' is often used in hypothetical or conditional sentences to indicate the only thing preventing a different outcome.
Word Origin
The phrase 'but for' evolved from Middle English 'but' (meaning 'outside of' or 'except') combined with 'for' (indicating exclusion or exception). The construction dates back to the 14th century and has been used in legal and formal contexts to denote exceptions.
Usage Notes
This phrase is primarily used in formal or literary contexts. It is not commonly used in casual conversation. The phrase is often followed by a noun phrase or a clause introduced by 'the fact that'.
Word Breakdown
but
except
prepositionfor
indicating exclusion or exception
prepositionEnglish Dictionary