Unless vs. As Long As

'Unless' and 'as long as' are used instead of 'if.' In this lesson, we will learn when and how to use them.

"Unless" vs. "As Long As" in the English grammar

What Is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between 'unless' and 'as long as' is that we do not use 'unless' for impossible conditions.

Unless

'Unless' is used in conditional sentences. These sentences set out conditions. When use 'unless,' we show that something will or will not happen except if another action occurs. Note that we do not use 'unless' for impossible conditions.
We use present simple in the unless-clause and modals (such as shall, should, will, would, can, could, may, and might) in the main clause.

You can't go out unless you finish your homework.

He will kill her unless we give him the money.

As long as

'As long as' is also used to express conditions. It is used in conditional sentences. It shows specific conditions on a situation. 'As long as' is mostly used in spoken English.

I will let you go to park as long as you behave.

I'm okay with all of this as long as everyone is happy.

Are They Interchangeable?

They are not interchangeble but we can use them to express the same meaning. Watch:

I won't go to the beach unless somebody comes with me.

I won't go to the beach as long as somebody comes with me.

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