Is this the right use of the word 'lest' in this sentence?


The dictionary software 'WordWeb', when searched for the word 'lest' shows this as one of the sentence examples under the meaning 'In case' : "he worried lest he should be late."


Now, I have even seen usage of the word in this manner: "He worried lest he be late."


Which of the above is correct, if at all it is a matter of correctness? Or which is better? Or does it not matter at all?



Answer



Both forms of the sentence work and are understandable. However, the should version is expressing an unlikely situation. That means that it is wrong to be early or on time and that something, somehow is forcing him to not be late.


The shorter, without should version is the likely and ordinary situation. It means that he should not be late and he is worried that he will be late.


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