The chunks of English (1): as long as...

First I'd better explain what I mean by CHUNK. Basically, a chunk is a short, fixed phrase consisting of 2 or more words, which has a special meaning. They are usually said in one breath, without a break between the words. Some very common examples include phrases like:

by the way
on the one hand
just in case
the day after tomorrow
for example
in my opinion

Phrases like these are very common in spoken English and the ability to use them will help you to sound more fluent. Today I would like to look at one particular chunk, as long as. Here is a notice from a sports club leaflet:

You can cancel as long as you let the centre 24 hours before the class start time.

As long as... means something like "if and only if..." or "Yes, but you must..." In the next section, let's look at some more examples.

as long as... (Some examples)

As long as... is often used to mean "Yes, but only if...":

John: I heard you're planning to go up Mount Fuji next weekend.
Mike : That's right, as long as the weather's OK.

Mary: Have you got any plans for next summer.
Jane: Yes, we're going to Europe - as long as we manage to find a cheap flight.

NOTE:
Please notice that although we are talking about future events in the 2 examples above, we use the present tense. We do not say: as long as the weather will be OK.

It is sometimes used in giving permission. It means something like "OK, but you must...":

Child: Mum, can I have some ice cream?
Parent: Yes, you can, as long as you eat your meat and vegetables first.

Worker: Is it OK if I go home now?
Supervisor: Sure, no problem, as long as you've finished writing your report.

It can also be used when we give warnings:

(Teacher to students): The exam won't be too difficult and I think you'll all be able to pass, as long as you study the books I recommended.

The beaches along this coast are not really dangerous, as long as you keep within the area between the red flags and don't swim too far out.

(From an amusement park web site): Tell your child not to get out of the car. Explain that amusement rides might seem scary, but they're not dangerous as long as riders hold on tight, stay seated and keep their hands and feet inside.

NOTE:
The expression provided that is used in a similar way to as long as:
... you'll be able to pass provided (that) you study the books I recommended.

Exercise

Finish the sentences below with as long as plus ideas of your own:

Most snakes aren't dangerous, as long as...
You can borrow any of these CDs, as long as...
You can cancel the reservation, ...
You can use this room for the party, ...
Some people will do almost any kind of job, ...

When you have finished, please click here to see some suggested answers.

Click below if you want to try some of my other one-point lessons:
Bob's One-Point Weekly Lesson Archive.