A precaution can be followed by the unwanted outcome it aims to prevent.
The idea
Lest is formal and introduces that outcome with a base verb or should plus a base verb. For fear that can introduce it with might or would.
Examples
- Maya took a map lest she lose her way.
- The gardener covered the seedlings lest the frost should damage them.
- We spoke quietly for fear that the baby might wake.
- I saved a copy lest the original be lost.
- The team left early for fear that traffic would delay them.
- The guide marked the trail lest anyone miss the turn.
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Watch out
Do not add not after lest: the prevention meaning is already present.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. She closed the window lest the papers ___. (scatter / scatters)
Show answer or example answer
scatter
scatter is the base form after lest.
Choose the correct option. They whispered for fear that someone ___ them. (might hear / hears only)
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might hear
might hear expresses the feared possibility.
Choose the correct option. He backed up the files lest they ___ lost. (be / are)
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be
be is the base form in the passive clause.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. She closed the window lest the papers ___. (scatter / scatters)
Choose the correct option. They whispered for fear that someone ___ them. (might hear / hears only)
Choose the correct option. He backed up the files lest they ___ lost. (be / are)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a precaution and the outcome it prevents in a formal sentence.