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Jackson6612 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Lest - hesitant to speak out lest he be fired
lest
for fear that - often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension *worried lest she should be late* *hesitant to speak out lest he be fired*
[M-W's Col. Dic.]
I would have written 'worried lest she be late'. But I have seen "should" used a lot after "lest". If "should" is to used, then could one say 'hesitant to speak lest he should be fired' instead? Please guide me. Thanks.
for fear that - often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension *worried lest she should be late* *hesitant to speak out lest he be fired*
[M-W's Col. Dic.]
I would have written 'worried lest she be late'. But I have seen "should" used a lot after "lest". If "should" is to used, then could one say 'hesitant to speak lest he should be fired' instead? Please guide me. Thanks.
Top answer
Yes. Putative 'should' is a common alternative to the subjunctive.
- Yes.
- Putative 'should' is a common alternative to the subjunctive.
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6 Answers
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Yes. Putative 'should' is a common alternative to the subjunctive.
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Thanks, Mr. Micawber.
So, saying 'lest he be fired' or 'lest he should be fired' has the same effect.
putative (adj)
3. (Linguistics / Grammar) Grammar denoting a mood of the verb in some languages used when the speaker does not have direct evidence of what he is asserting, but has inferred it on
So, saying 'lest he be fired' or 'lest he should be fired' has the same effect.
putative (adj)
3. (Linguistics / Grammar) Grammar denoting a mood of the verb in some languages used when the speaker does not have direct evidence of what he is asserting, but has inferred it on
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Hi,
The use of "should" with "lest" is optional and implied. Simple main verb form (here subjunctive) follows "lest." "Lest he be fired instead of "lest he is or was fired."
The use of "should" with "lest" is optional and implied. Simple main verb form (here subjunctive) follows "lest." "Lest he be fired instead of "lest he is or was fired."
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jbachman08Hi,The use of "should" with "lest" is optional and implied. Simple main verb form (here subjunctive) follows "lest." "Lest he be fired instead of "lest he is or was fired."Thank you, JB.
"The use of "should" with "lest" is optional and implied" could be broken into two separate sentences: 1. The use of "should" with "lest" is optio
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