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

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

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 10197 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 [+]

“If it weren't for the people, the god-damn people' said Finnerty, 'always getting tangled up in the machinery. If it weren't for them, the world would be an ...
Nov 5, 2014 ... If it weren't for them, earth would be an engineer's paradise.” While the quote may seem to caricature the technophile engineer, it does contain ...
Oct 12, 2015 ... If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be me. So, acknowledge your ghosts. Because without them, who would you be? www.singlestrides.com ...
And we all get driven nuts by them; every job would be great if it weren't for them and how stupid and difficult they are. But, and to my shame, I've only just got ...

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.

Examples:

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

Show examples from the web [+]

Oct 5, 2015 ... September 2015: If-it-wasn't-for-them-stinking-diesels Edition. Plug-In, Hybrid Sales Up From A Year Earlier. Danny King. All would've gone ...
well and I know if it wasn't for them, their support, [...] energy and exemplary discipline I would have given up. maitekelly.de. maitekelly.de. Wir verstehen uns alle ...
Aug 22, 2015 ... "If it wasn't for them, bad things could have happened," Skarlatos said. PHOTO: Crime investigators look into the window of a Thalys train of ...
If it wasn't for them drugs, you'd be extra shy. Knowin' if I throw them slugs you gon' testify. F' the extra shit, get an extra clip. I get some extra lip, just expect to die

Alternatives:

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

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