LestLest is a conjunction that we use in English when we want to prevent something fromhappening. For example:
Lest you were afraid of flying, I must assure you it is safer than driving a car. I quietly tiptoed to the door lest I woke up my daughter. Lest has similar meaning as in case or so that...not. But it is rarely used in the contemporary English language. Examples: In case you were afraid of flying, I must assure you it is safer than driving a car. I quietly tiptoed to the door so that I would not woke up my daughter. For fear For fear is used in a similar manner. Just like the conjunction lest, it is seldom used in the contemporary English language. Examples: He ran very fast for fear someone would notice him. Before and lest It's sometimes better to use either of the two: before or lest. a) Before is used when we are sure of what is going to happen: Put on a sweater before you leave. In this case, before is used because the person is sure that the other person is going to leave. b) Lest should be used when we are not sure of what is going to happen: Put on a sweater lest you leave. Lest is used because speaker is unsure whether the other person is going leave, and wants to make sure that she doesn't. |
As the world becomes additional world and integrated community, English language plays a vital role in connecting people and their ideas to at least one another. www.engforu.com is created by Maung Maung One. My goal is, the people of Myanmar who need to develop English Language must be supported as much as I can. Its purpose was to help expand learner access to the Basic English. I would like to give our special thanks to BBC, VOA for graciously allowing us to use their news stories as a basis of our learning activities. Their stories, photos and videos have made learning interesting and appropriate for adults.