Afraid

afraid and fear

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

Don't be afraid, (not Don't fear=) Are you afraid of the dark? She's afraid that I might find out.

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.

I'm afraid (that) I can't help you.

I'm afraid that there's been an accident.

I'm afraid so/not are used as 'short answers'. 'Can you lend me a pound?' 'I'm afraid not' It's going to rain.' Yes, I'm afraid so.'

Not used before a noun

Afraid is one of the adjectives that are not usually used before a noun in 'attributive position' (see 15). Compare:

John's afraid.

John's a frightened man. (not ...an afraid man.) We often use very much instead of very before afraid, especially when I'm afraid means 'I'm sorry to tell you'.

I'm very much afraid he's out.