Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Kenji Noda]

Dear friends,
I am learning English by myself.
Someone please explain me the difference between the two sentences below.

You can stay here as long as you keep quiet.
You can stay here so long as you keep quiet.

Sincerely,
Kenji

P.S.
Just check my photos.
http://ken-harp.sakura.ne.jp/ken_friend/index.shtml

[Mister Micawber]

.
There is no difference. The 'so' form is more often used in negative statements.
.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[Kenji Noda]

Thank you very much for your quick reply.
I made a same question at English learning forum and got the following answer:

Quote:
You can stay here as long as you keep quiet.

You will be allowed to stay here for the rest of your life if you keep quiet.

Quote:
You can stay here so long as you keep quiet.

In former discussion, Maybe A asked B: Can I stay here for 15 minutes?
Then B answers A: You can stay here "so long" (15 minutes) if you keep quiet.

You can stay here as long as you keep quiet.
--->I am simply saying "condition" and "permission."
You said that they have no difference.
I am just a little bit confused.

[Mister Micawber]

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The danger of seeking advice on the internet is that you don't know who you are talking to. As far as I am concerned the posting you received elsewhere is ridiculously off the point (you can see that the example reads 'so long...if-- not 'as'-- and is a different structure entirely).

I suggest that you stick with my explanation, but that is your choice.
.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[Lorikeet]

I agree with Mr. Micawber. They are essentially the same.

[Kenji Noda]