as long as
1. and so long as since; because. As long as you're going to the bakery, please buy some fresh bread. So long as you're here, please stay for dinner.
2. and so long as if; only if. You may have dessert so long as you eat all your vegetables. You can go out this evening as long as you promise to be home by midnight.
3. for a specified length of time. You may stay out as long as you like. I didn't go to school as long as Bill did.
as long as
1. For the period of time that, as in You may keep the book as long as you want, that is, keep it for whatever time you wish to. [Early 1400s]
2. Also, so long as. Since, because, as in Please pick up some milk as long as you are going to the store, or So long as you're here, you might as well stay for dinner.
3. Also, so long as; just so. Provided that, as in As long as you don't expect it by tomorrow, I'll make the drawing, or So long as sales are greater than returns, the company will make a profit, or You may have another cookie, just so you don't take the last one. [Early 1800s]