From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishbut forbut fora) IFused when you are saying that something would have happened if something or someone else had not prevented it But for these interruptions, the meeting would have finished earlier. The score could have been higher but for some excellent goalkeeping by Simon. I might never have got to university but for you. b) except for something or someone All was silent but for the sound of the wind in the trees. → but
Examples from the Corpus
but for• But it was privately, not through the government, and not for advanced field training, but for graduate study.• From here, forecasts are compiled, not just for Central, but for broadcasters all over the World.• The basic cakes need to be moist, tasty and firm, not only for eating but for cutting and shaping.• These patterns are different not only for each movement, but for each person.• Mr Roller said Dresdner's operating profit would have been higher but for increased write-offs in its securities operations.• She was never a woman to apologize, but for one moment with the pen in her hand she came very close.• Attention is needed not only for the here and now but for planning the future.• There was complete silence but for the occasional sound of distant traffic.• Not for themselves, but for their male pimps and brothel owners. 