but for him

USAGE SUMMARY

"but for him" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a particular cause of a certain action or event, usually one that is unexpected. For example, "The party was canceled due to inclement weather, but for him, it would have been a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But for him it's a total bromance.

The New York Times - Arts

But for him that tomorrow never came.

The Guardian

"They wouldn't be living but for him".

The New York Times

But for him, the journey was worthwhile.

The Guardian - Film

But for him, no one was there".

The Guardian

But for him, the issue was cultural.

The New York Times

But for him it hardly hurts.

The New Yorker

"But for him, it was really true".

The New York Times - Sports

But for him, it became endlessly fascinating.

The New York Times

"But, for him, it's all personal".

The New Yorker

But for him it's enough that I knock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize someone's unique perspective or contribution, "but for him" is more effective than a simple "however" or "yet".

Common error

Avoid using "but for him" when a simple contrast is sufficient. This phrase implies a significant difference due to someone's involvement, not just a minor variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but for him" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It introduces a condition contrary to fact, indicating that something is true or would be true only because of the person mentioned. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but for him" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight a specific person's impact on a situation. As verified by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media. When using "but for him", ensure the context clearly establishes the contrasting outcome. Alternatives like "were it not for him" and "if it weren't for him" offer similar emphasis. While generally neutral, it’s wise to consider the formality of your writing when choosing among alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were it not for him

Emphasizes a hypothetical scenario where something would not have happened without his involvement.

if it weren't for him

Similar to 'were it not for him', highlights the necessary role someone played.

except for him

Indicates a deviation from a general statement due to someone's particular case.

on his account

Focuses on something happening specifically because of him or his actions.

in his case

Singles out someone's situation as different from others.

from his perspective

Highlights someone's unique viewpoint or understanding.

as far as he's concerned

Emphasizes someone's personal opinion or stance on a matter.

considering him

Takes into account someone's specific circumstances or qualities.

specifically for him

Highlights that something is intended or designed for someone in particular.

in his eyes

Expresses a viewpoint or belief as seen through someone's personal lens.

FAQs

How can I use "but for him" in a sentence?

Use "but for him" to indicate that a different outcome would have occurred if not for a specific person. For example, "The project failed for many, "but for him", it was a success because he learned valuable lessons".

What's a good alternative to "but for him"?

Consider alternatives like "were it not for him" or "if it weren't for him" when emphasizing a hypothetical scenario. "In his case" is appropriate for highlighting a unique situation.

Is "but for him" formal or informal?

"But for him" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but use it sparingly in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "due to his influence" might be more appropriate in certain academic papers.

What's the difference between "but for him" and "except for him"?

"But for him" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, while "except for him" points to an exception. "The team lost, "but for him", they would have won" shows his potential impact. "Everyone enjoyed the party, "except for him"" simply notes his differing experience.