Conditional limitations

LarryLatham · Post by **LarryLatham** » Mon Jan 17, 2005 2:29 pm

IF FIRE, BREAK GLASS.

Larry Latham

Andrew Patterson · Post by **Andrew Patterson** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:47 am

Woodcutter wrote:

Isn't "provided" restricted to situations where some kind of positive result will occur?

On reflection, this isn't quite true, but the distinction is fairly subtle. "Providing"/"provided" can be used in two situations:
1) Where there is a positive outcome;
eg. You can watch the TV provided you do your homework first; or
2) When a bad outcome won't occur if the conditions are met (at least if the speaker is telling the truth);
eg. We won't harm the members of your family that we have kidnaped providing you pay us a million pounds.

woodcutter · Post by **woodcutter** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 2:33 am

Extremely subtle! If the kidnappers don't harm the kids, that's a pretty positive outcome.

fluffyhamster · Post by **fluffyhamster** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 2:53 am

woodcutter wrote:Extremely subtle! If the kidnappers don't harm the kids, that's a pretty positive outcome.

Getting a million quid is pretty good too (for the kidnappers at least).

Andrew Patterson · Post by **Andrew Patterson** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 4:29 pm

I haven't been able to distinguish any special meaning or use for "as long as" anyone got any ideas?

woodcutter · Post by **woodcutter** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 12:20 am

It seems very similar, always positive. Maybe an informal twin?