were it not

• but forExcept for; without
• otherwiseIn another manner
• exceptWith the exclusion of
• unlessExcept if
• save forExcluding from consideration

without · notwithstanding · lest · conditional · hypothetical · counterfactual · suppose · imagine · alternate · twist of fate · providence · fortunately · spared · narrow escape · close call · almost · nearly · what if

• conditionalsif, then, if clause, if clauses, else