afraid
Afraid sometimes means frightened and sometimes means worried.
I'm afraid of spiders. I'm afraid of losing my job.
It is also used in polite phrases to say 'don't hesitate', to apologise, or to introduce a phrase that says something the listener doesn't want to hear.
Don't be afraid to ask if you need anything.
I'm afraid I won't be able to make the party this evening. I'm ill.
I'm afraid you have failed your driving test, Miss Jenkins.
Check out the form
Afraid is followed by that + clause, by the infinitive, or by a preposition + noun/-ing.
I'm afraid of the dark.
I was afraid that he might not want to see me again. He isn't afraid to speak his mind.
Parents are often afraid for the safety of their children. You cannot use afraid before a noun. *an afraid man Use frightened or scared instead.
Note the expressions with afraid when confirming bad news or contradicting good news.
'I've failed, haven't I?' 'I'm afraid so.'
'I've passed, haven't I?' 'I'm afraid not.'
Check out other related words sorry
frightened of worried about
regret
|