I am afraid that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I am afraid that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing regret or concern about something. For example, "I am afraid that I cannot attend your party this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I am afraid that will not be possible.

Huffington Post

Yes, I am afraid that is finished.

The New York Times

I am afraid that no one will know the truth".

The New York Times

I am afraid that you're being tempted by wishful thinking.

The New York Times

I am afraid that your daughter is a mongol.

The Guardian

"I am afraid that the problem is not yet over.

The Guardian

I am afraid that in 100 years human chess may disappear.

Independent

"Now I am afraid that there is no one to stop Bibi and Barak".

The New Yorker

I am afraid that if water costs nothing it is worth nothing".

The New Yorker

I am afraid that by taking a stand against pages like this, I will mark myself as a target".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I am afraid that while you were away, your battalion fell apart," replied McKenna.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am afraid that" to soften bad news or express disagreement politely. It helps to mitigate the impact of negative statements.

Common error

Avoid using "I am afraid that" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound overly hesitant or insincere. Vary your phrasing to maintain a natural and confident tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I am afraid that" is to act as a hedging device, softening the impact of the statement that follows. It introduces a sense of politeness or regret, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I am afraid that" is a versatile phrase used to soften negative news, express concern, or politely disagree. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. It's commonly found in "news & media" and scientific writing, indicating a neutral register. While effective for softening messages, overuse can dilute its impact. Consider alternatives like "I'm concerned that" or "unfortunately" to vary your writing and maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm concerned that

This alternative replaces "afraid" with "concerned", indicating worry or apprehension.

I'm worried that

Replaces "afraid" with "worried", conveying anxiety or unease.

I regret to inform you that

This is a more formal expression indicating bad news or disappointment.

I'm sorry to say that

Expresses regret or sorrow before delivering unwelcome information.

I'm apprehensive that

Replaces "afraid" with "apprehensive", conveying a sense of anxiety about future events.

Unfortunately

A concise way to introduce bad news or a disappointing fact.

It's with regret that I say

A formal way of introducing bad news, emphasizing the speaker's regret.

I have some concerns about

Shifts the focus to the existence of concerns, rather than expressing fear.

I anticipate problems with

This expresses an expectation of future issues, similar to fearing potential outcomes.

I foresee difficulties in

Indicates an expectation of challenges, akin to fearing negative possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "I am afraid that" in a sentence?

"I am afraid that" is used to politely introduce bad news, express disagreement, or convey concern. For instance, "I am afraid that /s/I+can't+make+it to the meeting tomorrow" indicates your inability to attend with a polite tone.

What are some alternatives to "I am afraid that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I'm concerned that", "unfortunately", or "I'm sorry to say that".

Is it too formal to use "I am afraid that"?

While "I am afraid that" can be used in formal contexts, it is also suitable for neutral situations. Consider the specific context and audience to determine if a more direct or less formal alternative might be appropriate.

When should I avoid using "I am afraid that"?

Avoid using "I am afraid that" when a direct, confident statement is necessary. In situations requiring assertiveness or where softening the message is inappropriate, a more straightforward approach is better.