Headway Word of the Week
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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.
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.
- *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.'
- sorry
- frightened of
- worried about
- regret
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