If it had not been for vs if it weren't for

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They are interchangeable and convey the same meaning. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the desired style of speech or writing.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1063 views

If it had not been for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express gratitude or acknowledge the importance of someone or something in a situation.

Examples:

If it had not been for your help, I wouldn't have been able to finish the project on time.
If it had not been for the bad weather, we would have gone for a picnic.
If it had not been for his advice, I would have made a big mistake.
If it had not been for her encouragement, I wouldn't have pursued my dreams.
If it had not been for the traffic jam, I would have arrived early.

Show examples from the web [+]

If it had not been for Lyciscus...
If it had not been for that Labour government we would not have a Scottish parliament.
If it had not been for the storm, I would have arrived earlier.
If it had not been for Mademoiselle Varnay, it would have been me.
Our proposal would still be on a shelf gathering dust if it had not been for the events in New York five days later.
I recall a debate with our colleagues on Northern Ireland when if it had not been for Parliament restoring funding and taking it from its own area, we would not have been able to finance the three priorities mentioned.
People were brought together to work in partnership who would never have had that opportunity if it had not been for the PEACE programme.
I think Opel Antwerp would have had a future if it had not been for the crisis and the collapse of the whole concept of General Motors.
However, none of this would have happened if it had not been for the bravery of 77 Members of this House.
Why, if it had not been for Zira here, he... he would still be here, a stuffed specimen in the great hall of the Zaius Museum, with his two friends.
They make up 8% of the population, which would be considerably larger if it had not been for the fact that, because of persecution, many have fled to Jordan and Syria, where they live in terrible conditions.
In many countries and areas - such as where I come from in Northern Ireland - young children might not have had the opportunity to have that nourishment and that nutritional support supplied by milk if it had not been for the milk provided to them in schools.
Otherwise, I would simply like to thank everybody for their comments in this debate and to say once again that this would not have been possible if it had not been for the extremely good level of cooperation between everybody who has been involved in negotiating this decision.
If it had not been for her leadership and guidance in the Legal Affairs Committee, it would not have been possible to steer our way through both the first reading and now the second reading, and the Commission is duly grateful to her.
If it had not been for the courage to criticise communism, if it had not been for the courage to speak the truth, Europe would look different today.
If it had not been for your help, he would have been ruined.
If it had not been for a newspaper article that appeared just before the discharge date, drawing attention to the compensation element involved in the purchase of two new buildings in Strasbourg, we probably would have simply granted discharge in April.
So I must say, Mr President, that if it had not been for the liberalisation of television services I should not be here today.
If - if you'd like, if it's more convenient.
Even if it meant selling your mother's soul.

Alternatives:

if it weren't for

if it weren't for