...lest it deter/deters...

[Tan Elaine]

The phasing out of ministers is a delicate matter which must be handled with dignity and decorum, he added.

That is because it should not be "turned into a public spectacle, lest it deters even more good people from entering politics."

Can 'deter' be used in place of 'deters'. It seems I see both verbs used. Is one of them an error?

Thanks.

[SoothingDave]

I would use "deter." This is one of those "subjunctives," I believe. More common in AmE.

[5jj]

Those who still use the subjunctive think that only that form is correct - 'deter'. Actually, 'lest' is itself not commonly used in everday speech and writing; I imagine that most people who use it would also use the subjunctive. I would.

[JohnParis]

Can 'deter' be used in place of 'deters'. YES, and I would prefer "deter". It seems I see both verbs used. Me too. Is one of them an error? Not necessarily. But, as I said, in this sentence, I feel that "deter" is the correct choice of words.

John