Language/English/Grammar/Afraid

Afraid:

 

1. afraid and fear

In an informal style, be afraid is more common than fear. 

Examples:

Don’t be afraid. (not Don’t fear)

She's afraid that I might find out.

Are you afraid of the dark?

I'm not afraid to say what I think.

 

2. I'm afraid = I'm sorry

I'm afraid (that) often means "I'm sorry to tell you (that)". It is used to introduce apologetic refusals and bad news. 

Examples:

I’m afraid (that) I can’t help you.

I'm afraid (that) there’s been an accident.  

3. I ’m afraid so/not are used as short answers. 

Examples:

‘Can you lend me a pound?’ ‘I ’m afraid not.’

‘It’s going to rain.’ ‘Yes, I ’m afraid so.’

4. afraid should not be used before a noun

Afraid is one of the adjectives that are not usually used before a noun in ‘attributive position’. 

Compare:

Jack’s afraid. Jack's a frightened man. (not an afraid man.)