More Linking Expressions

We spoke about some linking expressions in http://www.inglespodcast.com/55 (but, even though/although, however, in spite of/despite, on the one hand…., but on the other hand

As long as / so long as (siempre y cuando, mientras que) – As long as/So long as you’re over 18, you can buy alcoholic drinks.

What is the difference between “as long as” and “as well as”?
As long as = siempre y cuando – “I am happy, as long as the sun is shining.”
As well as = además de – “Our neighbour brought cake as well as juice for everyone.” / El vecino trajo tortas, además de jugo para todos.

Compare:
Andrew went to the party as well as Patrick./ Patrick went to the party and Andrew as well.

In case (por si) – as a precaution. Don’t confuse with ‘if’:

“Let’s take our swimming costumes in case there’s a pool at the hotel.” (We don’t know if there is a pool there, but we’re going prepared for one with our swimming costumes.)

“Let’s take our swimming costumes if there’s a pool in the hotel.” (We will wait until we know about the pool before we decide to take our swimming costumes.)

“We should pack a raincoat in our suitcase for a holiday to Ireland – it might rain there!”

NB. “In the case” is different to “In case” – to consider a particular case
The UK is a kingdom with a Prime Minister, but the monarch is the head of state, whereas in the case of the USA the President is the head of state.

So as to (in order to – para, con el objetivo de) – Reza left early so as/in order not to be late.

I tested the microphone before Reza arrived so as/in order to save time during the recording.
(The two clauses imply the same subject with infinitive ´to´)

So that/So as (WITHOUT to): the two clauses can have different subjects –
The brave soldiers sacrificed their lives so that/as the rest of us could survive after their death. (different subjects)
Reza left early so that/as he (=Reza) wasn’t late. (can be same subjects) OR
Reza left early so as/in order not to be late.

Owing to (due to / because of – debido a ) – Today’s lesson has been cancelled owing to/because of/due to lack of interest. The flight was cancelled due to/because of/owing to the bad weather.

*Dispones de más PODCAST en inglés publicados en los cuadernos anteriores
a los que puedes acceder directamente así como al índice de su contenido.