“I’m afraid” | One little phrase, four BIG differences!

I’m afraid…

We can use the phrase ‘I’m afraid’ in four different ways.

1. I’m afraid of spiders.
2. I’m afraid there won’t be enough food.
3. I’m afraid we don’t sell milk here.
4. A: Are Rachel and Brian really getting a divorce?
   B: I’m afraid so.

 The difference in meaning is huge!

Let’s take a look.

#1 I’m afraid = I’m scared 

A: How are you feeling Anne?
B: To be honest I’m afraid.

We can say: afraid of + noun 

• I’m afraid of spiders.
• I’m afraid of sharks. 
• I’m afraid of the dark.

We can say: afraid of + gerund 

I’m afraid of sleeping alone.

I’m afraid of walking alone at night.

My mother is afraid of swimming.

#2 ‘Afraid’ doesn’t always mean scared. It can also mean ‘to feel nervous’.

We can say: afraid (that) + clause

If I’m late again, I’m afraid (that) my boss will fire me. 

I’m afraid (that) my son won’t like his birthday gift. 

Ross really wants to quit his job, but I think he’s afraid (that) he won’t be able to find another one. 

#3 I’m afraid = a polite way to say: ‘unfortunately’

A: Excuse me, do you sell milk here?
B: I’m afraid we don’t.
(Unfortunately we don’t.) 

On the phone 
A: Can I please speak to Mr. Fulham?
B: I’m afraid he’s already gone home. Can I please take a message?
(Unfortunately he has already gone home.) 

A: Oh! Did James pass his driving test?
B: I’m afraid not.
(Unfortunately not) 

A: Is there a bank near here?
B: Well, there’s a bank on 34th Street, but I’m afraid it’s a 30 minute walk.
(Unfortunately it’s a 30 minute walk.) 

Another important phrase:

#4 I’m afraid so = unfortunately this is correct

A: Has our train really been cancelled?
B: I’m afraid so.
(Unfortunately this is correct.)

A: I heard from Jenny that the company is going to start reducing staff. Is this true?
B: I’m afraid so. We all got an email about this earlier.
(Unfortunately this is correct.)

A: Is ‘Ben’s Cafe’ really closing down?
B: I’m afraid so. Apparently, Ben is just tired of running a cafe.
(Unfortunately this is correct.)

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See you next time!

Arnel 🙂