If it wasn't for someone.

[tufguy]

John saved Kate's life the other day. "If it hadn't been for John, Jane would have died that day".

Do we also say "If it hadn't been for someone" or do we always need to say "If it wasn't for someone"?

 

[GoesStation]

Do we also say "If it hadn't been for someone" or do we always need to say "If it wasn't for someone"?

You can say it either way.

 

[emsr2d2]

You can also say "If not for John, ...".

 

[jutfrank]

Do we also say "If it hadn't been for someone" or do we always need to say "If it wasn't for someone"?

We say both. They usually have different meanings.

Use 'if it hadn't been for someone' to talk about a specific event in the past (past time).
Use 'if it wasn't for someone' to talk about a present situation (general time).

If it hadn't been for John, Jane would have died that day.

This is correct because you're talking about a specific event in the past.