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Grammar point
B1CommonConditionalsNeutralIntermediate

Vietnamese 'miễn là' Usage (as long as)

'miễn là' is commonly used to express 'as long as', an important structure for English speakers learning Vietnamese.

Quick explanation

Quick explanation

'miễn là' is commonly used to express 'as long as', an important structure for English speakers learning Vietnamese.

English meanings

  • as long as

Grammar pattern

Miễn là + condition, clause

Examples

1

Miễn là bạn cố gắng, bạn sẽ tiến bộ.

As long as you try, you will improve.

2

Miễn là đúng giờ, tôi không sao.

As long as you are on time, I have no problem.

How to use it

'miễn là' means 'as long as', emphasizing that if a certain condition is met, the result or requirement is acceptable.

  • 'miễn là' introduces a sufficient condition.
  • Commonly used for promises, concessions, or minimum requirements.
  • Stronger emphasis on the condition than 'nếu ... thì'.

Compared with English

Compared with English

In English, 'as long as you are on time' states the minimum condition; Vietnamese 'miễn là' similarly emphasizes the baseline or necessary condition.

Common mistakes

Miễn là bạn cố gắng thì bạn sẽ tiến bộ.

Miễn là bạn cố gắng, bạn sẽ tiến bộ.

'miễn là' already introduces the condition, so 'thì' is not necessary afterwards.

Nếu là đúng giờ, tôi không sao.

Miễn là đúng giờ, tôi không sao.

'As long as you are on time' emphasizes the minimum condition, best expressed with 'miễn là'.

Commonly confused grammar

Practice

Multiple choice

What is the core meaning of 'miễn là'?

Show answer
  • as long as
  • whenever
  • to the extent that

Answer: as long as

Explanation: 'miễn là' emphasizes that the condition is sufficiently met.

Fill in the blank

Fill in the blank: ____ bạn cố gắng, bạn sẽ tiến bộ.

Show answer

Answer: Miễn là bạn cố gắng, bạn sẽ tiến bộ.

Explanation: 'miễn là' introduces a sufficient condition.

English to Vietnamese

Translate "As long as you try, you will improve." into Vietnamese.

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Answer: Miễn là bạn cố gắng, bạn sẽ tiến bộ.

Explanation: Use miễn là in the same structure as the example.

True or false

True or False: Miễn là bạn cố gắng thì bạn sẽ tiến bộ.

Show answer

Answer: False

Explanation: 'miễn là' already introduces the condition, so 'thì' is not necessary afterwards.

Correction

Correct this sentence: Miễn là bạn cố gắng thì.

Show answer

Answer: Miễn là bạn cố gắng, bạn sẽ tiến bộ.

Explanation: The second clause must be a complete result.

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