as long as

Tenses

After as long as, we use a present tense to express a future idea.

• I’ll remember that day as long as I live. (not … as long as I will live.)

note

For other conjunctions which are used in this way, (see here).

Conditions

As/so long as is often used to state conditions.

• You can take my car as/so long as you drive carefully. (= … on condition that you drive carefully.)

Emphatic use

Before a number, as long as can be used to suggest great length.

• These meetings can last as long as four hours.

note

For a similar use of as much/many as, (see here).