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    Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #112519: I'm afraid ...
    > Other English exercises on the same topics: Speaking | Frequent mistakes | Synonyms [Change theme]
    > Similar tests: - Placement test beginners: Check your spelling - Past simple or present perfect - Vocabulary: greeting people - Vocabulary: on the phone - On the phone - Interacting with someone - Although / in spite of / despite - Dialogue : What time...?
    > Double-click on words you don't understand


    I'm afraid ...


    1)    Expressing a FEAR : I'm afraid (+ OF)...

     

    * I'm afraid of + noun = I'm scared of something.

    - I'm not afraid of spiders, but I'm afraid of heights.

     

     *  I'm afraid of + V +  ing =  an event which may happen involontarily, when you have no action on what you're afraid of.

    - I'm afraid of falling and breaking a leg when I go skiing... 

     

                                                                                                

     

     * In other cases,  AFRAID TO, may be used when you can choose to do the dreaded action, or not! Sometimes, you may even be tempted to do it...

    - I'm afraid to tell him what I think about his attitude... I don't know how he will react... 

    - I'm afraid to dive from the deep end of the swimming pool, yet I know I can do it... 

     

     * to be afraid for: to worry for someone

    - When I consider the conditions of the job market, I'm quite afraid for my kids, though they are qualified... 

     

     to be afraid that + a clause is used to express a regret. "Is it raining?" "I'm afraid it is." = I'm sorry it's raining...

     In this case, the subordinate clause may be replaced by « so » in  the affirmative form and by « not » in the negative form.

    - Is it raining? I'm afraid so. 

    - Is the weather nice? I'm afraid not. 

     

       : * to be afraid can also mean "to be sorry".

    - I'm afraid I can't understand what you mean... = I'm awfully sorry but...

     

        2)   AFRAID may be replaced by  adjectives : to be scared of; frightened of/by, terrified (= stronger), petrified (is much stronger!)(scared stiff – scared to death) and by many nouns : fear, scare, fright, terror...

     

         3) - “To be afraid”, “to fear”, to frighten  = express FEAR. The verbs used to express fear in clauses are often used with a modal auxiliary.

    - I fear he might not be able to do it alone. (possible event)

    - I'm afraid he shouldn't smoke here. (disapproval)

    The conjunction “lest” is very formal and followed by a modal auxiliary too:

    - I won't tell him this, lest he should take it badly... 

    Two expressions :

    ·                  For fear of = 

    ·                  Never fear! = Don't be frightened! 

     

     

                                 

     

    That was easy, wasn't it? I do hope you won't be afraid to face the test and will succeed in it.   Good luck! 

     



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    English exercise "I'm afraid ..." created by here4u with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from here4u]
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    1. She's so meeting him at last that she might stammer while talking.
    2. As he's heights, he absolutely refuses to climb up the stairs of the Eiffel Tower.
    3. He won't answer him of starting an unpleasant argument.
    4. I'm really ski down that red slope... I'd like to, but I'm just a beginner, you know...
    5. He's the prospect of meeting his Supervisor and have his evaluation done.
    6. They were when they realized they were hostages and they might be killed at any moment.
    7. Oh dear! I'm speaking in front of such a big audience.
    8. ' stung by a jelly fish when bathing here?' 'Oh yes... I' ve been there before...'
    9. 'No, be sensible! You can't him back what is yours and should have been given to you years ago.'
    She says she's not afraid to fall in love, but she for the wrong person again!

     










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