Choose the correct option to complete the sentence given below:
Seeing me stumble a few times he held my hand _______________ I should fall.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → lest
The conjunction "lest":
- Lest means for fear that, or so that ... not.
- It is followed by should + base verb (or the base verb alone), and never by "not", because the idea of "not" is already in "lest".
- This sentence: he held my hand because he feared I might fall, so "lest I should fall".
Complete sentence: Seeing me stumble a few times he held my hand lest I should fall.
Example: Walk slowly lest you slip on the wet floor.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: until — Incorrect. Until means up to the time when; "held my hand until I should fall" would make the fall the moment he was waiting for.
Example: Wait here until I come back.
Option 2: unless — Incorrect. Unless means if not; "held my hand unless I should fall" makes no sense.
Example: You will miss the bus unless you hurry.
Option 4: if — Incorrect. If states a condition; "if I should fall" would make the fall a condition for holding my hand, while he held it to prevent the fall.
Example: Call me if you need help.
Contrast: lest means "for fear that"; unless means "if not", until means "up to the time when", and if states a condition.