Lest

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Lest" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clause that expresses a precaution or a negative consequence, often meaning "for fear that" or "in case." Example: "She studied hard lest she fail the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The winning piece was a large tombstone themed on climate change, blackened by oil and carrying the words "Lest we forget those who denied".

The Guardian

Lest that sound like faint praise, he quickly qualifies it: earlier this week, in a day trip around Stockholm's record shops, he added 50 singles to his already mammoth Abba collection.

The Guardian - Music

Lest there be any doubt that the domiciliary or homecare sector is in crisis, consider this.

The Guardian

In the meantime, here's a little something he cooked up on the game earlier: Lest anyone think Queensland are getting tired of beating New South Wales, Maroons skipper Cameron Smith did his best to put that slur to rest during the week as he emphasised Queensland's enduring level of "hate" for the Blues.

The Guardian - Sport

Lest we forget, it would also enhance England's chances this autumn.

The Guardian - Sport

Back on the main stage, the new association between English National Ballet and the Wells is marked by a revival of ENB's masterful Lest We Forget programme, with war-themed work by Khan, Maliphant and Liam Scarlett (George Williamson's Firebird, which used to sit rather uncomfortably in this programme, has now sensibly been dropped).

The Guardian

Lest we forget, when he does win, it's under the crushing weight of the public's expectations and hysterical headlines, most recently when his fiancee was caught swearing at a match.

The Guardian - Sport

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 6.15pm ET23:15 Lest we forget: the infallably wrong Drudge Report claimed that Mitt Romney was going to pick David Petraeus for his VP nominee... — adam nagourney (@adamnagourney) November 9, 2012 I'm guessing Romney's is glad he didn't pick the General as his running-mate.

The Guardian

Lest we forget: the trade union movement's century-old historic compromise with capitalism was at the expense of women – trade unions fought for the expulsion of women from waged work; even as late as the 1930s they campaigned to ban married women, or all women, from the workplace.

The Guardian

Lest this be read as suggesting an element of compulsion, we should make clear that Philip Davies was not arguing, in a debate on the minimum wage, that disabled people be obliged to work for less than the statutory minimum.

The Guardian

NB: Lest anyone think I'm some kind of apologist for the Qatar government, I would remind you of this blogpost published on this blog on 27 May and in the London Evening Standard on 20 May.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Lest", ensure that the following clause contains a verb in the subjunctive mood (e.g., "lest he be", "lest she fall").

Common error

Avoid using "Lest" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or archaic. Opt for more common alternatives like "in case" or "for fear that" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Lest" is as a conjunction. It connects two clauses, where the second clause expresses a potential negative consequence or a precaution taken to avoid it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces a clause expressing a precaution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Lest" functions as a formal conjunction used to express precaution or prevention, often found in written and formal contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its role in introducing clauses of precaution. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for formal writing. Common alternatives include "for fear that" and "in case". Its high source quality and consistent usage underscore its reliability in expressing intended prevention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

For fear that

Emphasizes the element of fear or apprehension regarding a potential outcome.

In case

A more common and less formal way to express a similar idea of precaution.

In order that...not

More explicitly states the purpose of preventing something from happening.

So that...not

Similar to "in order that...not", but slightly less formal.

For the purpose of avoiding

A longer, more descriptive way of expressing the intended outcome.

To prevent

Focuses on the act of prevention as the primary goal.

To avoid the risk of

Highlights the potential risk associated with not taking precaution.

With the intention of preventing

More formal and explicitly states the intent to prevent something.

In anticipation of

Suggests preparing for a potential negative outcome.

To safeguard against

Emphasizes protecting against a potential threat or danger.

FAQs

How to use "Lest" in a sentence?

"Lest" is used to introduce a clause expressing a precaution or negative consequence. For example, "She studied hard "lest she fail the exam"".

What can I say instead of "Lest"?

You can use alternatives like "for fear that", "in case", or "so that...not" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Lest" or "Least"?

"Lest" and "Least" have different meanings. "Lest" introduces a clause expressing a precaution, while "Least" refers to the smallest amount or degree.

What's the difference between "Lest" and "In case"?

"Lest" is a more formal and literary way of saying "in case". "In case" is more commonly used in everyday language and writing.