Question

Fill in the correct word keeping in mind the lest-should condition:

We'll have to be fast, lest the bank should _________.

• A. open
• B. close
• C. work
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B close

"Lest" means "for fear that" or "in order to avoid" and is usually followed by something that should be avoided. Moreover, the construction of "should" in such a sentence is usually should + verb (base form of the infinitive).

Option B is correct. The subjects walk fast so that they may reach before the bank closes. Option B describes a situation that needs to be avoided and it hence the correct answer.

Option A is incorrect. In the case of this option, the situation becomes something that the subject is not avoiding. It defeats the purpose of using "lest" and is thus grammatically incorrect.

Option C is incorrect for the same reason as A. The situation where the bank is working is not something the subject wants to avoid. Therefore, it is incorrect.

Option D is incorrect since the answer is option B.