lest

/lest/ (bre, ipa) · /lest/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlest/ (ame, mw)

lest — conjunction

1. used before a clause to show that someone takes action because they want to stop

1.連接詞C1
釋義

used before a clause to show that someone takes action because they want to stop an unwanted thing from happening.

例句

Devika packed a spare charger lest her phone die on the train.

lest + clause with base verb for avoided result

The guide tied bright ribbons to the trees lest hikers lose the path.

precaution in main clause before feared result

同義詞
  • in case

    the normal everyday choice in speech; less formal and less literary

  • so that ... not

    states the purpose more directly in ordinary modern English

  • for fear that

    also expresses worry about a bad result, but sounds deliberate and literary

文法句型

main clause + lest + subject + base verb

main clause + lest + subject + should + base verb

用法筆記

This word is formal and is much more common in careful writing than in conversation. It usually follows the main action and is often followed by a base verb ('lest the baby wake') or 'should' + base verb ('lest she should fall').

常見錯誤

❌Walk carefully lest you not fall.
✅Walk carefully lest you fall.
💡'lest' already carries the idea of avoiding the result, so adding 'not' reverses the meaning.
❌I left early lest I would miss the train.
✅I left early lest I miss the train.
💡After 'lest', use a base verb or 'should' + base verb, not 'would'.