but for

Preposition

 * 1) Except, except for, not counting; were it not for.
 * 2) despite; in spite of
 * 1) despite; in spite of
 * 1) despite; in spite of
 * 1) despite; in spite of
 * 1) despite; in spite of
 * 1) despite; in spite of
 * 1) despite; in spite of

Usage notes

 * A clause that uses the preposition will frequently use the conditional mood (for example, by using the verb ), especially when the  phrase appears at the beginning of its sentence.

Derived terms

 * there but for the grace of God go I

Translations

 * Irish: murach

Adjective

 * 1)  Pertaining to a test of causation whereby an agent or action is considered to have caused an event (and therefore to be responsible and/or liable for said event) if, had said agent or action not existed, the event would not have taken place.

Usage notes

 * The legal usage is most frequently followed by "rule", "test" or "causation".

Alternative forms

 * but-for