but for

== English == === Preposition === but for Except, except for; save for; not counting; were it not for; had it not been for. despite; in spite of ==== Usage notes ==== A clause that uses the preposition but for will frequently use the conditional mood (for example, by using the verb would), especially when the but for phrase appears at the beginning of its sentence. ==== Derived terms ==== there but for the grace of God go I ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === but for (not comparable) (law) 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 ==== (legal term): but-for