'lest'?

**dihen** · 29-Sep-2006, 16:30

How often is 'lest' used? Is it somewhat formal?

**JMB1122** · 29-Sep-2006, 19:43

"Lest" is used rarely, is formal and its use would be considered unusual by younger people.

**BobK** · 30-Sep-2006, 12:32

I get the impression that 'lest' is more widely used in BE; I certainly use it, and I know younger people who do too (my children, for example

)

b

**MikeNewYork** · 30-Sep-2006, 15:41

Originally Posted by dihen

How often is 'lest' used? Is it somewhat formal?

In AE, "lest" is uncommon, but not archaic or obsolete.

Thread: 'lest'?