as long as

USAGE SUMMARY

"as long as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a condition or prerequisite. For example, "You can come over to my house as long as you bring the cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meditate for as long as want.

WikiHow

"As long as it changed.

The New York Times - Sports

As long as it sticks.

The New Yorker

"As long as it takes," she said.

The New York Times

As long as it includes oysters.

The New York Times

"Hide them as long as you can".

Independent

As long as it wins on Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

TRR open as long as conditions permit.

The New York Times

As long as people pronounce it correctly".

Independent

"Stick around as long as you like.

The New York Times

For as long as it takes".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as long as" to set a condition, ensure the condition is clear and directly related to the outcome you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "as long as" when you mean "although" or "even though". "As long as" introduces a condition, while "although" introduces a contrast or concession.

How to use

Learn how to use "as long as" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as long as" is to act as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause that specifies a condition or duration. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in connecting clauses. For example, "I don't mind if he stays there, as long as he cleans up after himself".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

65%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as long as" functions as a conjunction to introduce a condition or specify a duration. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, and Ludwig's examples reveal that it appears frequently in news, media and general writing. To avoid common errors, ensure you're not using it in place of "although" when expressing a contrast. Remember, "as long as" establishes a condition; ""although"" introduces a concession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so long as

A direct synonym, differing only in word choice.

provided that

Emphasizes a condition that must be met.

only if

Specifies a single condition for something to occur.

on condition that

Similar to 'provided that', but often used in more formal contexts.

assuming that

Introduces a hypothetical situation or condition.

given that

Focuses on an assumption or accepted fact.

while

Indicates something happening during a specific time.

contingent upon

Highlights the dependence of one thing on another.

during the time that

Expands "while" to specify a time frame.

for the duration of

Highlights the entire length of time something occurs.

FAQs

How can I use "as long as" in a sentence?

"As long as" is used to express a condition that must be met for something else to happen. For example, "You can borrow my car "as long as" you fill it with gas."

What phrases are similar to "as long as"?

Similar phrases include "provided that", "so long as", and "on condition that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "as long as"?

While generally correct, "as long as" is misused when it replaces words expressing contrast. Use "although" or "even though" to express that kind of idea. For instance, don't use "as long as" to begin a sentence which expresses a contrast of ideas.

What's the difference between "as long as" and "while"?

"As long as" typically introduces a condition, whereas "while" typically indicates something happening during a period of time, or expressing a contrast. However, "as long as" can also be used to indicate duration, similar to "while".