Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The English language relies heavily on precise conjunctions to establish relationships between clauses and convey nuanced meanings. Conjunctions like 'so that' indicate purpose or result, while 'lest' introduces a clause of fear or prevention. This question assesses the ability to manipulate these grammatical structures to maintain semantic equivalence. Correctly employing 'lest' requires understanding its specific function – to express apprehension that something undesirable might happen if a certain action isn't taken. The original sentence expresses a reason for working hard to avoid a negative outcome, which needs to be preserved in the transformation.
The original sentence, "The farmer worked so hard, that he might not starve," expresses the farmer's diligent effort as a means to prevent starvation. 'So' indicates the degree of effort, and 'that' introduces the consequence. Replacing these with 'lest' necessitates a restructuring of the sentence to reflect the fear of starvation motivating the hard work.
Transformation and Explanation
The corrected sentence is: "The farmer worked hard, lest he should starve."
Key Changes and Grammatical Considerations
- Removal of 'so': The intensity conveyed by 'so' is implicitly understood through the adverb 'hard'.
- Removal of 'that': 'That' is replaced by 'lest', which fundamentally alters the sentence structure.
- Introduction of 'lest': 'Lest' is followed by a subjunctive mood ('should starve'). While 'might starve' is acceptable in modern usage, 'should starve' is the more traditional and grammatically precise form after 'lest'.
- Subjunctive Mood: The use of 'should' after 'lest' indicates a hypothetical situation and expresses the farmer's apprehension about starving.
Comparison of Meaning
Both sentences convey the same core idea: the farmer works diligently to avoid starvation. However, the nuance differs. The original sentence emphasizes the *result* of hard work (avoiding starvation), while the revised sentence emphasizes the *motivation* – the fear of starvation driving the hard work. 'Lest' introduces a sense of precaution and anxiety that wasn't as prominent in the original phrasing.
Alternative phrasing (less preferred)
While "The farmer worked hard lest he starve" is grammatically correct in modern English, the inclusion of 'should' after 'lest' is considered more formal and stylistically appropriate, particularly in a context demanding precision.
Illustrative Table: Conjunction Comparison
| Conjunction | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| So that | Expresses purpose or result | He studied hard so that he could pass the exam. |
| Lest | Expresses fear that something undesirable will happen | He locked the door lest someone should break in. |
| Because | Expresses reason | She was late because of the traffic. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the transformation of the sentence demonstrates a clear understanding of English grammar and the subtle differences in meaning conveyed by different conjunctions. Replacing 'so that' with 'lest' requires not only removing the original words but also restructuring the sentence to maintain its logical flow and express the intended meaning – the farmer’s proactive effort driven by the fear of starvation. The use of the subjunctive mood after 'lest' further enhances the grammatical correctness and stylistic precision of the revised sentence.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.