afraid that

USAGE SUMMARY

"afraid that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you feel fear or apprehension about something. For example: I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to finish the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm afraid that would be me," he said.

The New Yorker

I'm afraid that has changed.

The New Yorker

"He was afraid that it could happen".

The New York Times

"Frankly, I'm afraid that we might.

The New Yorker

I'm afraid that it works.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm afraid that doesn't matter.

The Guardian - Tech

David: I'm afraid that ain't happening.

The New York Times

They're afraid that he'll lose that ability".

The New York Times

"People are afraid that they're stupid.

The Guardian

Afraid that you're not cool enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yes, I am afraid that is finished.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid overuse of the phrase, consider replacing it with synonyms like "worried that" or "concerned that", especially in longer texts or formal writing.

Common error

While "afraid that" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound too informal in highly professional or academic contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "apprehensive that" or rephrase the sentence to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afraid that" functions as a conjunction, connecting a feeling of fear or apprehension to a specific clause or statement. It introduces the content of the fear, similar to how 'because' introduces a reason. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "afraid that" is a versatile phrase used to express feelings of fear, worry, or apprehension regarding a specific situation or potential outcome. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and widely used in English. It's most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, with a neutral formality level. While generally appropriate, more formal synonyms might be preferable in academic settings. Remember to clearly articulate the cause of your fear when using this phrase for maximum clarity. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage across various sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearful that

Directly expresses fear or dread concerning a specific situation or outcome, nearly synonymous with "afraid that".

worried that

Indicates a state of anxiety or concern about something that might happen, closely aligned with fearing a potential outcome.

anxious that

Conveys a sense of nervousness or unease about something, often implying a heightened state of concern.

concerned that

Expresses a sense of worry or unease about a particular outcome, similar to being afraid, but often with a focus on care or responsibility.

it worries me that

Highlights the speaker's concern and unease about a particular situation, focusing on the emotional impact of the fear.

apprehensive that

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or dread about a future event, conveying a more formal tone than "afraid that".

it concerns me that

Similar to "it worries me that", but often used in more formal contexts to express concern.

I dread to think that

Expresses a strong feeling of apprehension or fear about a potential future event or situation.

I suspect that

Indicates a belief or hunch, often implying a negative or undesirable outcome, similar to fearing something might be true.

I have my doubts that

Indicates skepticism and a lack of confidence in a particular outcome, subtly implying a fear that something might not be as expected.

FAQs

What does "afraid that" mean?

"Afraid that" indicates a feeling of fear, concern, or apprehension about a particular situation or outcome. It's used to express that you are worried about something negative happening.

When is it appropriate to use "afraid that" in writing?

It's appropriate in many contexts, but consider your audience. In formal settings, alternatives like "concerned that" or "apprehensive that" might be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "I'm afraid that"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I'm worried that", "I'm concerned that", or "I suspect that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "afraid that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "afraid that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. However, ensure that the sentence structure following "afraid that" is also grammatically sound.