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As long as and so long as

As long as and so long as are conjunctions.

As long as​

We use as long as to refer to the intended duration of a plan or idea, most commonly referring to the future. We always use the present simple to refer to the future after as long as:

  • We are very happy for you to stay at our house as long as you like.
  • I’ll remember that film as long as I live.
  • Not: … as long as I will live.

As long as and so long as​

As long as or so long as also means ‘provided that’, ‘providing that’ or ‘on condition that’:

  • You are allowed to go as long as you let us know when you arrive.

So long as is a little more informal:

  • You can borrow the car so long as you don’t drive too fast.