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B2

If it were not for + N , S + would + V0 · But for + N , S + would have + V3

If it weren't for và But for

Explanation

Nêu điều kiện duy nhất khiến kết quả khác đi. If it weren't for nói hiện tại, If it hadn't been for nói quá khứ. But for + danh ngữ là biến thể trang trọng, dùng được cho cả hai thời. Bẫy thường gặp: Sau But for là danh ngữ chứ không phải mệnh đề: But for it rained ✗, But for the rain ✓.

Examples

If it were not for you, I would be lost.

Nếu không có bạn thì tôi lạc mất.

If it had not been for the delay, we would have arrived.

Nếu không vì việc chậm trễ thì chúng tôi đã tới.

But for the rain, the trip would have been perfect.

Nếu không vì mưa thì chuyến đi đã hoàn hảo.

But for her help, we could not have finished.

Nếu không nhờ cô ấy thì chúng tôi không xong được.

Practice

Test your understanding with a quick quiz

Learn “If it were not for + N , S + would + V0 · But for + N , S + would have + V3” effectively

The grammar point “If it were not for + N , S + would + V0 · But for + N , S + would have + V3” (If it weren't for và But for) is one of the key structures at CEFR 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.

You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.

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