【问】 我不明白if it had not been for是什么意思。

【答】 if it had not been for是if it were not for的过去式，后者表示与现在事实相反的条件或假设，而前者表示与过去事实相反的条件或假设。请看实例(请注意主句的时态)：

1. If it had not been for Margaret，I might not have understood. (Snow)

如果没有玛格丽特，我可能就不理解了。

2. If it weren't for his wife's money he'd never be a director.(PEU)

如果不是他妻子有钱，他永远不会成为一个董事。

3. If it hadn't been for the doctor's care. I should not be speaking to you now.

如果那时没有医生们的照料，我现在就不能和你讲话了。

(参见 if it were not for)