Collocation
I'm afraid
Used to politely introduce bad news, express regret, or state a negative fact. Can also indicate a mild feeling of fear or concern about something.
Definition
'I'm afraid' is a common English collocation. Used to politely introduce bad news, express regret, or state a negative fact. Can also indicate a mild feeling of fear or concern about something.
I'm + afraid
“I'm afraid I won't be able to join the team for lunch today.”
Examples
- I'm afraid I won't be able to make it to the party tonight.
- The manager said, 'I'm afraid we have to let you go.'
- I'm afraid the flight has been delayed due to bad weather.
Show more examples
- She confessed, 'I'm afraid I broke your favorite vase.'
- I'm afraid to tell you that your application was unsuccessful.
- I'm afraid of spiders, so I can't go near that corner.
- After checking the schedule, he sighed, 'I'm afraid the last bus has already left.'
- I'm afraid I must politely decline your generous offer.
- Even after all their efforts, I'm afraid they still couldn't solve the mystery.
- I'm afraid it's going to be a long journey, so pack plenty of snacks.
Learn this in a path
More at B1 level
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