for fear that用法分析

1.引导原因状语从句，相当于because,“是因为怕”“因为担心”

Shut the window for fear (that) it may rain.关上窗户，恐怕要下雨。

They wouldn’t let their cats run around outside for fear that it would get run over by a car.= They wouldn’t let their cats run around outside because they were worried that it would get run over by a car.

他们不肯让猫在外面乱跑，是因为怕猫被车压了。（生怕猫被汽车压了。）

He went out in disguise,for fear that someone might recognize him.

他化妆外出，因为他怕有人认出他。（以免有人认出他。）

The government, however, did not accept the suggested plan for fear that shutting off power supply for even one minute would lead the whole nation into great confusion.(摘自全国成人高考试题)

然而，政府不接受建议的计划，因为担心切断电源一分钟甚至会导致整个国家陷入巨大混乱。

2.可以引导表示目的状语的从句（从句一般是否定的）， in order that, lest, 可以和for fear that替换，例如：

He wrote the name down for fear that(lest) he should forget it.

他写下了那个名字，以免忘记了。

He worked hard for fear that he might be fired by the boss.

他拼命地干活惟恐被老板解雇。

3. for fear that……should/would/might/may……

for fear that引导的从句里，可用should/would/might/may等词，如：

He’s working hard for fear that he should would/might/may fall behind.

他在努力工作，担心自己会/可能/落后。

I daren’t tell you what he did,for fear that he should be angry with me.

我不敢告诉你他干了什么，以免他生我的气。

He handled the instrument with care for fear (that )it should be damaged.

他小心翼翼地使用那台仪器，生怕把它弄坏了。

She worried for fear that the child would be hurt.

她因怕孩子受伤而担忧。

Shut the window for fear (that) it may rain.关上窗户，恐怕要下雨。

He worked hard for fear that he might be fired by the boss.

他拼命地干活惟恐被老板解雇。

They didn’t say much for fear that the others might hear them.

他们没有说很多话，因为怕其他人听见。

4. for fear of+doing/名词性结构

I have omitted calling on you for fear of disturbing you.

我怕打扰你而没有来拜访你。

She was afraid to say anything to them for fear of hurting their feelings

她什么都不敢对他们说，以免伤害他们的感情。

People don't like to ask questions for fear of appearing ignorant

人们不喜欢问问题，害怕自己会显得很无知。

No one dared shoot for fear of hitting Pete.

没人敢开枪，怕伤着皮特。

The report was held back for fear of prejudicing his trial

因为担心会使他的审判有失公正，这篇报道被暂时压了下来。

People are afraid to venture out for fear of sniper attacks

由于害怕狙击手，人们不敢冒险外出。

He didn't want any further involvement for fear of retribution.

他担心受到惩罚，不想再牵涉其中。