【问】 as(so) long as与provided(providing)(that)都作“只要”、“如果”解，不知它们之间有何区别?

【答】 据CGEL的解释，as long as，so long as在语义上与provided(that)，providing(that)相似。但前者不如后者正式。这就是说，我们应当注意它们之间的语体差别。

1. As long as you understand，we shall say no more about it. (ELD)

只要你明白了，我们就不再说什么了。

2. You can go out，as long as you promise to be back before 11 o'clock. (LDCE)

只要你答应11点以前回来，你就可以出去。

3. She may come with us provided(that) she arrives in time. (ELD)

只要她准时来，她就会和我们一起去。

4. We'll visit Europe next year，provided (providing) we have the money. (FWF)

只要我们有了这笔钱，我们明年就到欧洲去旅行。

5. Provided(that) there is no opposition we shall hold the meeting here. (LDCE)

只要没人反对，我们就在这儿开会。

(参见provided/providing)