B2–C1 · GFC · GFC002

If it had not been 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 · EnglishIf it had not been for + noun phrase, subject + would have + past participle
DE · GermanWenn + noun phrase + nicht gewesen wäre, hätte/wäre + subject + participle
RU · Translation

Если бы не твоё сообщение, я пропустил бы встречу.

EN · English

If it hadn't been for your message, I would have missed the meeting.

DE · German

Wenn deine Nachricht nicht gewesen wäre, hätte ich die Besprechung verpasst.

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Если бы не дождь, мы поели бы на улице.

    EN · English

    If it hadn't been for the rain, we would have eaten outside.

    DE · German

    Wenn der Regen nicht gewesen wäre, hätten wir draußen gegessen.

  2. RU · Translation

    Если бы не её предупреждение, они поехали бы не по той дороге.

    EN · English

    If it hadn't been for her warning, they would have taken the wrong road.

    DE · German

    Wenn ihre Warnung nicht gewesen wäre, hätten sie die falsche Straße genommen.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns