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Goronsky Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Can 'lest' mean 'unless'?

Can 'lest' mean 'unless'?

Would it work here?

Bob's not taking the promotion lest (= unless) he gets a lot more money.
  

Top answer

goronsky Would it work here? No. Lest: in case something unpleasant happens Anyway, it is an old-fashioned word that usually sounds humorous if used in modern prose.

— Mister Micawber

  • goronsky Would it work here?
  • No.
  • Lest: in case something unpleasant happens Anyway, it is an old-fashioned word that usually sounds humorous if used in modern prose.
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5 Answers
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goronskyWould it work here?
No.

Lest: in case something unpleasant happens

Anyway, it is an old-fashioned word that usually sounds humorous if used in modern prose.
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goronskyCan 'lest' mean 'unless'?
No. In some ways it means almost the reverse.

(You beat me that time, Mr M.)
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No.
Lest means 'in order that not'.

eg Don't stand at the edge of the platform, lest you fall in front of a train.
eg Bob is a valuable employee. Bob's boss gave him more money, lest he quit his job.

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Thank you, Mr Micawber.
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Thanks, Clive and Fivejedjon.
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