Correct Usage of The Conjunction LEST
Correct Usage of The Conjunction LEST :
LEST
This is a contraction of an old English phrase meaning BY WHICH THE LESS. In older English it was followed by the present Subjunctive.
1. Take heed lest you fall.
2. Take heed that you may not fall.
The Subjunctive is here used in the Optative sense. That is in the sense of wish or purpose. In modern English the Verb following this Conjunction is formed by the Auxiliary Verb SHOULD.
1. He worked hard lest he should fail. (Correct)
2. He worked hard so that he might not fail. (Correct)
3. He worked hard so as not to fail. (Correct)
( The Uses of The Subjunctive Mood )
Correct Usage of The Conjunction LEST :
The Sentences Index
