if it weren't for them vs if it wasn't for them

Both these phrases are correct, but they're used in slightly different contexts. 'If it weren't for them' is used more often and considered more formal. 'If it wasn't for them' is considered less formal and may be more common in informal speech.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: December 01, 2024 • 10243 views

if it weren't for them

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal contexts.

This phrase is used to express gratitude or acknowledge the importance of someone or something in a situation. It implies that without the mentioned person or thing, the outcome would have been different.

Examples:

If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have been able to finish the project on time.
If it weren't for the bad weather, we could have gone for a picnic.
If it weren't for his advice, I would have made a big mistake.
If it weren't for her support, I wouldn't have been able to overcome the challenges.
If it weren't for their generosity, we wouldn't have been able to afford the trip.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 19, 2024

May 17, 2023 ... Which sentence would be more correct "If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be standing here now " or "If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be ...
Oct 4, 2014 ... If it weren't for them, earth would be an engineer's paradise.” ... In Kurt Vonnegut's dystopian novel 'Player Piano', automation has replaced ...
Dec 20, 2021 ... Is it ever aknowledged how big of a deal that was for Sasuke's story so many things would have changed if it weren't for them going after Sasuke ...
Dec 30, 2023 ... If it weren't for them Catholicism wouldn't exist as we know it, truly eternally grateful for that wonderful family from Switzerland (Habsburg ...
Nov 14, 2022 ... 1. Downvote Award Share. u/Xark96 avatar · Xark96. • 2y ago •. And if it weren't for them Luffy would have died already. Upvote 3. Downvote
... if it weren't for them, my friend and I might not be here right now. I thought we might be the next ones to end up as another tragic story. Eventually, they ...
I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for them! Amanda Schaefer and 578 others. 󰤥 579.
Oct 29, 2024 ... ... if it weren't for them and I am extremely grateful.✨ Megan we are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished, it is an honor to ...
Aug 17, 2018 ... If it weren't for them, I would not have made it through that tough time in my life. I owe so much to the volunteers and staff; each one has ...

Alternatives:

If it hadn't been for them
Without them
But for them
Were it not for them
If not for them

if it wasn't for them

This phrase is correct but may be considered less formal and more common in informal speech.

This phrase is also used to express gratitude or acknowledge the importance of someone or something in a situation. It carries the same meaning as 'if it weren't for them' but is used in a less formal context.