How to use 'Unless' and 'As long as'

'We'll catch our flight as long as we leave soon.'

As long as

Take a look at this sentence:

I will go if it is free.

(If it is free, I will go.)

In this sentence we can change if to as long as and it keeps the same meaning:

I will go as long as it is free.

(As long as it is free, I will go)

Here are some other examples:

You can borrow my bike as long as you are careful. = You can borrow my bike if you are careful.

You will pass the test as long as you study hard. = You will pass the test if you study hard.

Unless

Now let’s look at the same ‘if’sentence using a negative:

If it isn’t free, I won’t go.

(I won’t go if it isn’t free.)

Here we can use unless to keep the same meaning:

Unless it is free, I won’t go.

(I won’t go unless it is free.)

Unless means ‘except if’ or ‘only if’.

Here are some other examples:

I’ll walk to town unless it rains. = If it doesn’t rain, I’ll walk to town.

Unless we leave now, we’ll be late. = If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late.

You can’t enter unless you have a ticket. = Only if you have a ticket, can you enter.

Now read the  following sentences and  decide  if  'unless'  or  'as long as' should be used:

Then, use the comments box give us some of your own example sentences using 'unless' and 'as long as'.

Link: 'I am used to'... lesson

• You should not swim in the river ___ you are a good swimmer.
  
  as long as
  unless
  
  
• I will take a day off ___ my boss says that it is ok.
  
  unless
  as long as
  
  
• You can improve your English ___ you use this site!
  
  unless
  as long as
  
  
• You will not get fit ___ you stop smoking.
  
  unless
  as long as
  
  
• It does not matter how it tastes ___ you do not eat it.
  
  unless
  as long as
  
  
• She will be angry with him ___ he says sorry.
  
  unless
  as long as
  
  
• There is no need to wake up early ___ you want to.
  
  as long as
  unless
  
  
• The rock concert will be good ___ you don't mind loud music.
  
  unless
  as long as
  
  
• My pet lion will not bite you ____ you do not get too close.
  
  unless
  as long as
  
  
• Fast food is great ___ you eat too much of it.
  
  unless
  as long as