Meaning
For fear that; used to introduce a clause expressing an undesirable event to be avoided
Primary Function
Very formal negative purpose
Communicative Purpose
To introduce a clause describing an undesirable event to be avoided
Pattern
lest
Core Structure
lest
Função primária
Very formal negative purpose
Propósito comunicativo
To introduce a clause describing an undesirable event to be avoided
Situações de gatilho
Formal writing, literature, official warnings, very formal speech
Contextos
Academic, legal, literary
Padrão
lest
Estrutura central
lest
Slots de substituição
subject, verb (usually in base form or with 'should')
Colocados típicos
- lest we forget
- lest there be any doubt
- lest anyone think
Substituições comuns
- for fear that
- to avoid the possibility that
Erros comuns
using 'will' or 'would' after 'lest'; using 'not' incorrectly, e.g., *lest he doesn't forget*
Similar / contraste
in order that... not (clumsy)
Interferências
Many learners confuse 'lest' with 'in case' — 'in case' implies possibility, while 'lest' implies prevention of an undesirable outcome
Família do chunk
- archaic/formal negative purpose frames
Nuance
Extremely formal; often used in fixed phrases “lest we forget” (Remembrance)
Efeito pragmático
Evokes tradition, solemnity, or high formality
Dica de memória
lest we forget
Nota
The chunk 'lest' is used to introduce a clause expressing an undesirable event that should be avoided. It is extremely formal and often used in fixed phrases.
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