Question

Given below is a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Find out whether there is any error in any of these parts. If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d):
Work hard lest you do not fail. No error
(a) (b) (c) (d)

• A. (a)
• B. (b)
• C. (c)
• D. (d)

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

(b)

Option B: The error lies in part (b): 'lest you do not'. The correct form is 'lest you should'.

'Lest' means 'in order to prevent any possibility that something will happen'.

The sentence means 'work hard, so you avoid failure'. The word 'lest' is most usually followed by 'should'. Also, 'lest you do not fail' has a meaning that is vague and different from the intended meaning. (Work hard so you avoid 'not failing'.)

So, the option with the error is option B.

Options A and C do not have errors. Option D is incorrect as the sentence has an error.