English — Condition connectors: as long as / provided that
Besides if, English marks a condition with as long as, so long as, provided (that), providing and on condition that. Each introduces a requirement that must be met, as in You can borrow the car as long as you drive carefully.
How it works
The condition clause takes the present tense even when the main clause is about the future — never a future or would form. Compare I'll help you as long as you ask (not as long as you will ask) and We'll sign provided that the price stays the same.
Examples
| Connector | Example sentence |
|---|---|
| as long as | You can stay as long as you keep quiet. |
| so long as | I'll lend it to you so long as you give it back tomorrow. |
| provided (that) | We'll deliver on Friday provided that you pay today. |
| providing | She'll take the job, providing they raise the salary. |
| on condition that | He agreed to talk on condition that we don't record him. |
Good to know
As long as also has a time meaning (Stay as long as you like = for the whole time). Provided (that), providing and on condition that are more formal than as long as; that after provided is optional (provided you agree). Do not add will in the condition: say as long as you pay, not as long as you will pay.