The conjunction lest means for fear that. It should be followed by something the speaker thinks should be avoided. For example, we might write, We’re going to proofread this twice lest we make errors that hurt our credibility.
The clause introduced by lest is usually in the subjunctive mood, but this is not required for writers who aren’t comfortable with the subjunctive.
Examples
These writers use lest well:
I won’t waste your time responding point-by-point lest I give credence to unsubstantiated allegations and tortured innuendo … [Dallas News]
I suppose it is unwise of me to make this confession now, lest our insurance company reads this article. [Daily Mail]
Lest you think state budget cuts are solely to blame, tuition at four-year private colleges rose 4.5 percent at the same time. [Washington Post]
Lest people did not get the point, he went on to say they ”are the vilest form of human life” and should ”rot in hell”. [Sydney Morning Herald]
