Lest vs. So That

Attribute	Lest	So That
Meaning	For fear that	In order that
Usage	Used to prevent something undesirable from happening	Used to indicate purpose or intention
Connotation	Carries a sense of caution or warning	Implies a desired outcome or goal
Commonly followed by	Verb + subject	Verb + object

Introduction

When it comes to writing, the choice between using "lest" and "so that" can sometimes be confusing. Both of these words are used to indicate purpose or intention, but they have slightly different nuances. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "lest" and "so that" to help you understand when to use each one.

Definition and Usage of Lest

The word "lest" is used to express a negative purpose or intention. It is often used to indicate that something should be avoided or prevented. For example, "He studied hard lest he fail the exam." In this sentence, "lest" is used to show that the person studied hard to avoid failing the exam. "Lest" is typically followed by a verb phrase in the subjunctive mood.

Definition and Usage of So That

On the other hand, "so that" is used to express a positive purpose or intention. It is used to show the reason or intention behind an action. For example, "She packed her umbrella so that she wouldn't get wet in the rain." In this sentence, "so that" is used to explain why the person packed her umbrella - to avoid getting wet in the rain. "So that" is typically followed by a clause that indicates the desired outcome.

Comparison of Attributes

While both "lest" and "so that" are used to indicate purpose or intention, they have different connotations. "Lest" is used to express a negative purpose, emphasizing the need to avoid a certain outcome. On the other hand, "so that" is used to express a positive purpose, highlighting the desired outcome of an action.

Examples of Usage

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "lest" and "so that":

• She locked the doorlest someone break in while she was away.
• She locked the doorso that her belongings would be safe.
• He wore a helmetlest he injure himself while riding his bike.
• He wore a helmetso that he could protect his head in case of a fall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between using "lest" and "so that" depends on the intended meaning of the sentence. If you want to emphasize the need to avoid a negative outcome, use "lest." If you want to highlight the desired outcome of an action, use "so that." By understanding the attributes of each word, you can effectively convey your purpose or intention in writing.