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Difficulty: MediumConjunctions and Clause Structure

Which conjunction correctly completes the sentence below to express precaution against an undesirable outcome?

Answer:The night guards remained vigilant at the main entrance throughout the emergency 【lest】 intruders should gain access to the residential quarters.

Answer

lest
The conjunction 'lest' is used to introduce an adverbial clause of negative purpose, meaning 'for fear that' or 'in order to avoid'. In formal English grammar, clauses introduced by 'lest' typically require the auxiliary verb 'should' or a present subjunctive verb. In the given sentence, 'lest intruders should gain access' perfectly expresses taking precautions to prevent an unauthorized entry.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the logical relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
The main clause specifies a protective action ('remained vigilant'), while the subordinate clause states a potential negative event to be avoided ('intruders should gain access').
Determining whether the clause conveys condition, contrast, result, or negative purpose dictates the correct conjunction.
2
Identify the subordinating conjunction that expresses negative purpose and pairs with the modal verb 'should'.
The subordinating conjunction 'lest' means 'for fear that' or 'to prevent the possibility that' and is idiomatically followed by a clause containing 'should' or a subjunctive verb form.
'Lest' appropriately links the precautionary measure with the unwanted outcome.

Key Concept

Subordinating Conjunctions of Negative Purpose (Lest)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Conjunctions and Clause Structure

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