lest I embarrass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lest I embarrass" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a concern about causing embarrassment or making a mistake, often in a cautionary context. Example: "I will keep my opinions to myself, lest I embarrass myself in front of the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(P.S.: Which Phyllis are they named after? Must check, lest I embarrass myself in conversation).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And I embarrass easily".

The Guardian - Music

Can I embarrass you?

TechCrunch

But in Ireland a beauty parlor named Monica's on the road to the famous golf course had its sign removed lest it embarrass the motorcadians.

The New York Times

"I embarrassed myself," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Am I embarrassed by it?

The New York Times

I embarrassed my hockey team.

The New York Times - Sports

Translation: "Wow, am I embarrassed.

Science Magazine

I could embarrass you.

The New York Times

If I'm embarrassing anybody, I'm embarrassing myself".

The New Yorker

I am embarrassed that I never investigated the antecedent before.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lest I embarrass", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being protected from embarrassment.

Common error

Avoid using "lest I embarrass" in informal contexts. This phrase is best suited for formal writing and may sound stilted or unnatural in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lest I embarrass" functions as a subordinate conjunction introducing a clause of purpose or caution. It indicates the reason for taking a particular action, specifically to avoid causing embarrassment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a concern about causing embarrassment or making a mistake in a cautionary context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lest I embarrass" serves as a formal and cautionary expression, indicating a desire to avoid causing oneself embarrassment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English. Its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, it's best reserved for formal settings to maintain the appropriate tone. Alternatives such as "to avoid embarrassing myself" or "so I don't embarrass myself" may be more suitable for informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to avoid embarrassing myself

Directly states the intent to prevent self-embarrassment.

to prevent myself from being embarrassed

Emphasizes preventing the state of being embarrassed.

for fear of embarrassing myself

Highlights fear as the motivator for avoiding embarrassment.

so that I don't embarrass myself

Expresses the purpose of avoiding embarrassment in a straightforward manner.

in order not to embarrass myself

Formal and emphasizes the intention to avoid embarrassment.

to ensure I don't embarrass myself

Highlights the effort to guarantee the avoidance of embarrassment.

to keep from embarrassing myself

Focuses on refraining from actions that could lead to embarrassment.

to steer clear of embarrassing myself

Implies actively avoiding situations that could cause embarrassment.

to not risk embarrassing myself

Highlights the consideration of risk associated with potential embarrassment.

to preclude any embarrassment on my part

Formal and emphasizes the complete prevention of embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "lest I embarrass" in a sentence?

Use "lest I embarrass" to express a cautionary intention to avoid causing embarrassment, for example, "I will remain silent, "lest I embarrass" myself with an ill-considered remark."

What does "lest I embarrass" mean?

"Lest I embarrass" means "in order to avoid embarrassing myself" or "for fear that I might embarrass myself". It's a formal way to express a desire to prevent self-inflicted embarrassment.

Which is more appropriate, "lest I embarrass" or "so I don't embarrass myself"?

"Lest I embarrass" is more formal and literary, suitable for academic or sophisticated writing. "So I don't embarrass myself" is more common in everyday speech and informal writing.

What are some alternatives to "lest I embarrass"?

Alternatives include "to avoid embarrassing myself", "for fear of embarrassing myself", or "so that I don't embarrass myself", depending on the desired level of formality and directness.