B2–C1 · GFC · GFC013

But for + noun phrase, subject + would have + past participle

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Conditions and counterfactuals”. Compare how English and German express conditions and counterfactuals. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

EN · EnglishBut for + noun phrase, subject + would have + past participle
DE · GermanOhne + noun phrase, hätte/wäre + subject + participle
RU · Translation

Если бы не одна недостающая подпись, заявку бы приняли.

EN · English

But for one missing signature, the application would have been accepted.

DE · German

Ohne die eine fehlende Unterschrift wäre der Antrag angenommen worden.

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Если бы не твоя помощь, я бы сдался.

    EN · English

    But for your help, I would have given up.

    DE · German

    Ohne deine Hilfe hätte ich aufgegeben.

  2. RU · Translation

    Если бы не пробки, мы приехали бы до полудня.

    EN · English

    But for the traffic, we would have arrived before noon.

    DE · German

    Ohne den Verkehr wären wir vor Mittag angekommen.

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