The structure “只要……，就……”
In Chinese, the structure 只要……，就…… (zhǐyào..., jiù...) is used to express conditional sentences where a condition is sufficient to bring about a result. The clause introduced by 只要 (zhǐyào) sets the sufficient condition (“as long as...”, “if only...”), while the clause following 就 (jiù) presents the inevitable result or outcome (“then...”).
Grammar Rules
1. Sufficient Condition and Result: 只要 introduces the sole condition needed to produce a result. As long as this condition is met, the result after 就 will naturally follow.
2. Position of the First Subject: The subject of the first clause can be placed either before or after 只要 (Subject 1 + 只要... or 只要 + Subject 1...).
3. Position of the Second Subject: If the second clause has a different subject, it must be placed directly before 就 (Subject 2 + 就...).