Provided That and As Long As
Conditional alternatives emphasizing conditions and requirements
When to Use Provided That and As Long As
- •Emphasizing a condition: You can go, provided that you finish your homework.
- •Setting requirements: As long as you're careful, you can borrow my car.
- •Formal conditions: On condition that you sign the agreement, we'll proceed.
- •Stipulations: Providing you arrive on time, there won't be a problem.
- •Agreements: I'll help you as long as you help me too.
How to Form Provided That and As Long As
Result clause + provided (that)/as long as + condition
Result clause + provided (that)/as long as + negative condition
Can I go, as long as I'm back by ten?
💡 'That' is optional after 'provided'. All these expressions emphasize the condition more than simple 'if'.
Examples of Provided That and As Long As
✓You can stay as long as you're quiet.
✗You can stay as long as you will be quiet.
Use present tense for future meaning after 'as long as'.
✓Provided that the weather is good, we'll have a picnic.
✗Provided that the weather will be good, we'll have a picnic.
Present tense in the condition clause, not future.
✓I'll lend you money on condition that you pay me back.
✗I'll lend you money on condition that you will pay me back.
Present tense after conditional expressions.
Common Mistakes with Provided That and As Long As
💡 Practice Tips for Provided That and As Long As
- • All mean 'if' but emphasize the condition more strongly
- • Formality: on condition that > provided that > as long as
- • Present tense for future conditions (same as 'if')
- • 'Provided' and 'providing' are interchangeable
- • Use these when the condition is especially important