Using "just in case" would mean that grabbing the rail might ease--but not
prevent--the fall. Using "lest" means that grabbing the rail would prevent
a fall. D is the correct answer, although you are right: "lest" is very
formal and borders on the archaic.

Here are some correct uses of "just in case":
      I bought health insurance just in case I should slip and fall.
      I decided to grab the iron rail just in case the ground was slippery.

Dick Veit

At 10:45 PM 07/13/2001, you wrote:
>Hello.
>Today I have a question about "in case" and "lest S should".
>
>The following question is found in a university entrance examination.
>(Sophia University)
>
>(Choose the right one from A to D and fill in the blank.)
>I had to grab the iron rail at my side (     ) I should slip and fall.
>A. in fear
>B. so that
>C. just in case
>D. lest
>
>Which is the right answer?
>I guess the intended answer is D (of course, you will say it is too archaic,
>but English teachers in Japan likes the "lest S should" expression so much
>that they often set questions about it.
>
>But I wonder if C is not correct. And I would like to know the reason.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>SIRAISI Tomio
>[log in to unmask]
>
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