“惟恐”常见的英文表达是 “for fear that” 或 “lest”,二者都带有“担心、生怕(发生某事)”的意味,常引导目的状语从句,从句中多使用虚拟语气(should + 动词原形,但should可省略)。此外,根据语境不同,也可以用 “be afraid that” 等表达。以下为具体示例:
例句:He walked quietly for fear that he might wake up the sleeping baby.
翻译:他悄悄地走着,惟恐吵醒睡着的婴儿。
例句:She took an umbrella with her lest it should rain.
翻译:她随身带了一把伞,惟恐下雨。(lest引导的从句中should可省略,原句也可写成“She took an umbrella with her lest it rain.” )
例句:I'm afraid that I'll be late for the meeting.
翻译:我惟恐(害怕)开会会迟到 。