How Do Lest and For Fear That Use the Subjunctive? (C2 Exercises)

Lest and for fear that both introduce a clause describing something to be avoided. Lest takes the bare subjunctive base form, as in he fled, lest he be captured, while for fear that is followed by should plus the base verb, as in she whispered, for fear that she should wake the baby.

Grammar Rule

Lest and for fear that both introduce a clause describing something to be avoided. Lest takes the bare subjunctive (base form, no -s, no tense). For fear that is followed by should plus the base verb. Both are formal and literary; everyday English usually substitutes in case or so as not to.

The Subjunctive in That Clauses with Lest and For Fear That: Rules and Examples

Connector	Structure	Example
Lest	+ bare subjunctive base form	He fled, lest he be captured.
For fear that	+ should + base verb	She whispered, for fear that she should wake the baby.

Remember: Lest takes the subjunctive base form; for fear that takes should plus base verb — both formal alternatives to in case or so as not to.

Practice Test

Instructions

Answer each question in the test below using lest and for fear that correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.

Purpose Connectors with Lest Exercises (CEFR C2)

## Purpose Connectors with Lest — Formal/Literary Register: Rules and Examples Learn «lest» as a formal purpose connector meaning «in case» or «so that… not,» and its required subjunctive/should structure. ### Grammar Rule «Lest» introduces a clause expressing a negative purpose — an action taken to prevent something undesirable: «She whispered, lest anyone overhear.» «He saved his work constantly, lest he should lose it.» «Lest» is inherently negative in meaning, so never add «not» after it: not «lest he should not lose it» (this reverses the intended meaning), correct is «lest he should lose it.» In formal/literary style, «lest» is followed by the subjunctive base form or «should + base form»: «lest we forget» (subjunctive) or «lest we should forget» (with should) — both mean the same thing. This connector is largely archaic/literary today, appearing in formal writing, poetry, and set phrases like «lest we forget.» Examples: She whispered, lest anyone overhear. He saved his work constantly, lest he should lose it. They double-checked every detail, lest a mistake slip through. We remember the fallen soldiers, lest we forget their sacrifice. She locked the door twice, lest someone break in during the night. Remember: lest + subjunctive base form / should + base form = «so that… not / in case» — never add «not» after lest, since it’s already negative.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What form follows lest?

The bare subjunctive base form, as in he fled, lest he be captured.

What form follows for fear that?

Should plus the base verb, as in she whispered, for fear that she should wake the baby.

What register do lest and for fear that belong to?

Formal and literary; everyday English usually substitutes in case or so as not to.

What do lest and for fear that both introduce?

A clause describing something to be avoided.