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Mr. Tom Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Use of lest

Hi

Is the use of lest common/natural in everyday English? Is this sentence OK?

I turned down the radio lest I missed my mobile ringing.

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

'Lest' is very, very uncommon. Almost never heard.

— Clive

  • 'Lest' is very, very uncommon.
  • Almost never heard.
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5 Answers
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'Lest' is very, very uncommon. Almost never heard.
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I would say lest is still used, albeit less than formerly. COCA lists 2085 matches.
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Thanks Clive and Blue Jay. It's interesting to note the varied opinions/feedback.

@ Blue Jay

Based on your feedback, I assume you find these sentences completely natural?

I turned down the radio lest I missed my mobile ringing.
Tear this letter lest she should read it.

Clive, may I know how you would put the above sentences?
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In my experience, "lest" is used only in formal or literary language. I never hear it in everyday language. It probably sounds pretty old-fashioned to some people. In everyday language, "in case" is a common alternative.

Here you can see the steady decline in the usage of the word over the years:

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Mr. TomI turned down the radio lest I missed my mobile ringing.
Mr. TomTear up this letter lest she should read it.
They sound OK to me, although I don't know if I would actually say either of them exactly as written here. I did a search of my posts, and apparently I haven't
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