lest

IPA/lest/
KK[lˈɛst]IPA/lest/

lest — 連接詞

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

1.連接詞C1
釋義

以免

表示先做某事，避免壞結果發生

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.

Devika 帶了備用充電器，以免手機在火車上沒電。

lest + clause with base verb for avoided result

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

導遊在樹上綁了亮色絲帶，以免健行的人找不到路。

precaution in main clause before feared result

常見搭配
  • lest anyone notice
  • lest the baby wake
  • lest we forget
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'.

常見搭配

常用片語

  • lest we forget
  • lest anyone notice
  • lest the baby wake