Could you please tell the meaning of "it were not for the protection" in the sentence below? Thanks
Insects would make it impossible for us to live in the world;they would devour all our crops and kill our flocks and herds,if "it were not for the protection" we get from insect-eating animals.

In "it were not for the protection" ,what is "it" refor to? and what's the meaning of "for"?

Question

Could you please tell the meaning of "it were not for the protection"  in the sentence below? Thanks
Insects would make it impossible for us to live in the world;they would devour all our crops and kill our flocks and herds,if "it were not for the protection" we get from insect-eating animals.

In "it were not for the protection" ,what is "it" refor to? and what's the meaning of "for"?

Answer

"It"refers to the situation we have at the moment, i.e.. animals eat insects. "For" is similar in meaning to "because of" in this context. So in other words - we don't have to worry about insects because of insect-eating animals.

Answer

So, "if "it were not for the protection" we get from insect-eating animals. "

The text is saying that if the world doenst have animals that eat insects would be impossible to us(humans) live in this world. The protections is related to tose insect-eating animals.

Answer

I think 'it' is related to herbs.

Answer

Yes it is the whold sentence I saw.

Answer

Are u sure that the whole sentence: "If it were not for protection we get from insect-eating animals" is correct?? Cuz the structure is kinda incorrect.

Answers · 7

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