Taking Precautions with "no sea que"
When taking action to prevent a possible problem, use no sea que (just in case / lest). Because it introduces a hypothetical event you are trying to avoid, it is always followed by the present subjunctive. Notice how these preventive clauses often follow commands or strong recommendations.
| Put the protector on the table, just in case the girl falls. | Pon el protector en la mesa, no sea que la niña se caiga. |
| Hide the TV remote, just in case the baby sucks the battery. | Esconde el mando de la tele, no sea que el bebé chupe la pila. |
| Put the doorstop on the door, just in case she catches her fingers. | Pon el tope en la puerta, no sea que se pille los dedos. |
An Alternative: "no vaya a ser que"
You can also use the slightly longer phrase no vaya a ser que. It has the exact same meaning and function as no sea que, and also requires the subjunctive.
| You must put the latch on the bathroom, just in case the girl enters. | Debes poner el pestillo en el baño, no vaya a ser que la niña entre. |
| Cut the grape in half, just in case he chokes. | Corta la uva por la mitad, no vaya a ser que se atragante. |
| Hold the boy on the first step, just in case he lets go of the railing. | Coge al niño en el primer escalón, no vaya a ser que suelte la barandilla. |
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