English grammar
As (two things changing together) vs while (two facts); as long as (recap)
Describe two things changing together with as, tell it from while, and set conditions with as long as.
From the scene As we got closer
In short
As links two changes that move together. While puts two facts side by side.
Your turn
Which one goes with changing together (general)?
Options: while the plane was shaking, you were sleeping · as you come down, the plane shakes · as we got closer, the turbulence got worse
Show answer
changing together (general) → as you come down, the plane shakes
How it works
As + clause links two changes that move together: as we got closer, the turbulence got worse; as the moment gets closer, I'm getting more nervous.
Good to know
While simply puts two facts side by side in time: while the plane was shaking, you were sleeping.
Good to know
As long as sets a condition and, like other time and condition words, takes the present for the future: as long as you're here (not will be).
changing together (past) as we got closer, the turbulence got worse
Nuria
As we got closer, the turbulence got worse.
A medida que nos acercábamos, había más turbulencias.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: As we got closer, the turbulence got worse · As you come down, the plane shakes · While the plane was shaking, you were sleeping
Show answer
Nuria
As we got closer, the turbulence got worse.
A medida que nos acercábamos, había más turbulencias.
changing together (general) as you come down, the plane shakes
Javi
It's normal. Medellín is between mountains. As you come down, the plane shakes.
Es normal. Medellín está entre montañas. Conforme bajas, el avión se mueve.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It's normal. Medellín is between mountains. (blank).
Options: As we got closer, the turbulence got worse · While the plane was shaking, you were sleeping · As you come down, the plane shakes
Show answer
Javi
It's normal. Medellín is between mountains. As you come down, the plane shakes.
Es normal. Medellín está entre montañas. Conforme bajas, el avión se mueve.
two facts at the same time while the plane was shaking, you were sleeping
Elena
And while the plane was shaking, you were sleeping like a baby.
Y mientras el avión se movía, tú dormías como un bebé.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank) like a baby.
Options: as we got closer, the turbulence got worse · as you come down, the plane shakes · while the plane was shaking, you were sleeping
Show answer
Elena
And while the plane was shaking, you were sleeping like a baby.
Y mientras el avión se movía, tú dormías como un bebé.
condition: as long as + present as long as the pilot doesn't scream
Javi
As long as the pilot doesn't scream, I sleep soundly.
Mientras el piloto no grite, yo duermo tranquilo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), I sleep soundly.
Options: As long as the pilot doesn't scream · As we got closer, the turbulence got worse · As you come down, the plane shakes
Show answer
Javi
As long as the pilot doesn't scream, I sleep soundly.
Mientras el piloto no grite, yo duermo tranquilo.
condition with there is as long as there's coffee
Elena
Nothing? As long as there's coffee, I won't ask for more.
¿Nada? Mientras haya un café, yo no pido más.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Nothing? (blank), I won't ask for more.
Options: As you come down · As long as there's coffee · The turbulence got worse
Show answer
Elena
Nothing? As long as there's coffee, I won't ask for more.
¿Nada? Mientras haya un café, yo no pido más.
Common mistake
Not unless or so that here. Two facts at the same time.
And while the plane was shaking, you were sleeping like a baby.
Y mientras el avión se movía, tú dormías como un bebé.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| changing together (past) | as we got closer, the turbulence got worse |
|---|---|
| changing together (general) | as you come down, the plane shakes |
| two facts at the same time | while the plane was shaking, you were sleeping |
| condition: as long as + present | as long as the pilot doesn't scream |
| condition with there is | as long as there's coffee |
More lines from the story
- JaviRelax. As long as you don't say that Galician empanada is better than arepa...Tranquila. Mientras no digas que la empanada gallega es mejor que la arepa...