as long as

conjunction

1. : during the time that : while

enjoyed success as long as she lived

2. : provided that

they can go where they please as long as they return on time

3. : inasmuch as : since

as long as you are going, I'll go too

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as long as

Provided only that

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Main Entry: ↑long

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as/so/long as phrase

used before saying the conditions that will make something else happen or be true

My parents don’t care what job I do as long as I’m happy.

Thesaurus: limited and limiting_synonym

Main entry: long

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◊ used in conditionals

You can use as long as to say that one thing is true only if another thing is true. For example, if you say `We should catch the plane as long as the bus doesn't break down', you mean `If the bus doesn't break down, we should catch the plane'. Note that you use a simple tense after as long as.

You can look as long as you don't touch.

We were all right as long as we kept our heads down.

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◊ duration

You also use as long as to say that something lasts for a long period of time, or for as much time as possible.

Any stomach-ache that persists for as long as one hour should be seen by a doctor.

Everyone holds off buying as long as they can.

She hesitated as long as she dared.

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◊ WARNING

You do not use as long as when you are talking about distances. You do not say, for example, `I followed him as long as the bridge'. You say `I followed him as far as the bridge'.

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I

see long I

II as (or so) long as

1) during the whole time that

they have been there as long as anyone can remember

2) provided that

as long as you fed him, he would be cooperative

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as long as (or so long as)

1 : ↑since

As long as I'm here, we may as well begin.

As long as you're up, would you mind getting me a drink?

So long as you feel that way I'll leave.

2 : ↑if

I'll go with you as long as you'll drive.

They can do anything they want, so long as they follow the rules.

As long as she's allowed to go first, she's happy.

3 : during the time that : ↑while

The economy will remain strong as long as there are jobs to go around.

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Main Entry: ↑long

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as/so ˈlong as idiom

1. only if

•

We'll go as long as the weather is good.

2. since; to the extent that

•

So long as there is a demand for these drugs, the financial incentive for drug dealers will be there.

Main entry: ↑long_idiom