Expressing relief and regret: If it weren't for/hadn't been for

If it weren’t for my yellow fever vaccination, they wouldn’t let me into the country.

• regret

• relief

Their house would still be standing if it hadn’t been for the tornado.

• regret

• relief

If it hadn’t been for his friends’ lending him their car, Seth wouldn’t have been able to get to the exam on time.

• regret

• relief

If it hadn’t been for this cold, I would have been able to make the presentation.

• regret

• relief

I wouldn’t have gotten my job if it hadn’t been for my former manager’s recommendation.

• regret

• relief

Complete each statement of regret or relief logically with your own ideas.

They never would have arrived on time if...

30 sec audio

Complete each statement of regret or relief logically with your own ideas.

The president would have lost the election if...

30 sec audio

Complete each statement of regret or relief logically with your own ideas.

If it hadn’t been for the good weather, ...

30 sec audio

Complete each statement of regret or relief logically with your own ideas.

We would still be at home if...

30 sec audio

Complete each statement of regret or relief logically with your own ideas.

If it weren’t for the fact that the captain of our football team is sick, ...

30 sec audio