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] > >To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: > http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html >and select "Join or leave the list" > >Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/ To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/