but for
The phrase "but for" is used to indicate exceptions or essential conditions, particularly in legal contexts to determine causation.
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Definition
B2General Usage
(common)Indicates that something would have happened if not for a specific factor.
Example
- I might never have got to university but for your help.
- These banks would have failed but for large-scale government intervention.
B2General Usage
(common)Used to express an exception or contrast.
Example
- All was silent but for the sound of the wind in the trees.
- But for the excessive humidity, it might have been a pleasant day.
C1Legal Context
(technical, legal)Refers to a necessary cause without which a particular result would not have occurred.
Example
- The but-for test is used to determine causation in tort law.
- But for the defendant's actions, the accident would not have happened.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "but for":
do forwhat foroh forfor oneall butbut and benfor toall forfor itfor all