Preposition
- Except, except for, not counting; were it not for.
Usage notes
- A clause that uses the preposition but for will frequently use the conditional mood (for example, by using the verb would), especially when the but for phrase appears at the beginning of its sentence.
Adjective
(not comparable)
- (law) Pertaining to a test of causation whereby an agent or action is considered to have caused an event (therefore to be responsible and/or liable for said event) if, had said agent or action not existed, the event would not have taken place.
Usage notes
- The legal usage is most frequently followed by "rule", "test" or "causation".
