Lest - Learn correct usage with rules, examples and exercises

Q.  Study hard (1)  / lest (2)  / you should not (3)  / fail. (4)  / No Error (5)
- Published on 06 Jan 17

a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
e. 5

ANSWER: 3
 
'Lest...should' is used to extend a warning and also suggest the consequences of not paying attention to that warning.
Warning +Lest+Person +Should +Consequence
Work hardlestyoushouldfail.
The use of this conjunction in any sentence conveys a negative sense. As such, 'no' or 'not' should not be used in that sentence.

Remove 'not'.

'Lest...should' already conveys a negative sense.

The correct sentence should be: Study hard lest you should fail.

** Lest is always followed by should, with a ‘not’ anywhere.
'should' here can not be replaced by 'would' or 'may'.

For e.g. Go through the notes again and again lest you would/may fail, is incorrect.

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    Discussion

  • the realest h   -Posted on 09 Aug 22
    h
  • the real real h   -Posted on 08 Jul 22
    h
  • the real h   -Posted on 02 Jul 22
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  • h   -Posted on 02 Jul 22
    h
  • Kanta   -Posted on 10 May 20
    I saw a video where lest is followed by should & might.Only should or might can be used after Lest.
  • shambhavi   -Posted on 12 Jun 19
    good

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