as long as 有两个意思,一是用于本意为“与……一样长(久)”,在否定句中也可说成 (not) so long as,二是用于引申义,表示”只要“以…为条件,用于此义时也可说成so long as(不管是肯定句、否定句还是疑问句)。
具体用法:
1、只要(在一段时间内)…就会…
I’ll remember you as long as I live.
(只要我还活着,我就会一直记着你。)
As long as I’m here, I’ll help.
(只要我还在这,我就会帮忙。)
特别注意这边 as long as 后面接上的是“现在简单式”,而非未来式。
2、只要(做到某件事)…就可以…
You can come as long as you are quiet.
(只要你保持安静,你就可以来。)
I’ll help as long as you buy pizza.
(只要你买披萨,我就会帮你忙。)
这个用法带有假设的语义在内,与英文文法中的“假设语气”很像,都是在假设如果A事情发生,B事情就可以成行。
3、根本就会长达…
The meeting could be as long as three hours.
(这个会议根本就会长达三小时。)
He can talk for as long as one hour!
(他超爱讲话,根本可以连讲一小时不口渴。)
这里的“长达(时间)”不只是单纯地在叙述某件事发生的时间长短,更是要夸饰或强调时间的“长度”。