i'm afraid that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I'm afraid that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It is most commonly used to express regret or hesitancy when introducing something. For example: "I'm afraid that I have to call off our meeting tonight due to a family emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

I'm afraid that has changed.

The New Yorker

"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

I'm afraid that leads them to restaurants".

The New York Times - Food

"I'm afraid that it will be even worse," he said.

The New York Times

"I'm afraid that things will crash down on him.

The New Yorker

I'm afraid that Edward will have a revelation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm afraid that besides minors, adults will buy loosies, too".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i'm afraid that" to soften the delivery of unwelcome news or opinions. It adds a layer of politeness and consideration.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "i'm afraid that", as it can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your sentence structure for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i'm afraid that" functions as a hedge or disclaimer, softening the impact of the statement that follows. It signals potential bad news, disagreement, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms this is a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i'm afraid that" is a versatile phrase used to gently introduce unwelcome news, express reservations, or voice concerns. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, signaling its broad applicability. The phrase serves as a polite hedge, softening the impact of the subsequent statement. While common, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain sincerity and vary sentence structure. Consider alternatives like "/s/i+regret+to+say+that" or "/s/unfortunately" based on the specific context and desired level of formality. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "i'm afraid that" to communicate with tact and consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I regret to say that

More formal and emphasizes the speaker's regret.

I'm sorry to inform you that

Formal and directly conveys bad news.

Unfortunately

Simple and direct way to introduce bad news.

I'm hesitant to say that

Highlights the speaker's reluctance to say something.

It pains me to say that

Emphasizes the speaker's emotional distress.

I have some bad news

Directly indicates that bad news is coming.

I'm not sure about that

Expresses doubt or uncertainty.

I'm worried that

Focuses on the speaker's worry or concern.

I anticipate that

Highlights the speaker's expectations, usually negative.

It is with some trepidation that

Very formal, indicating worry or fear about what is coming.

FAQs

How can I use "i'm afraid that" in a sentence?

"I'm afraid that" is used to politely introduce bad news, express disagreement, or voice concerns. For example, "I'm afraid that /s/we+can't+make it to the party tonight" or "I'm afraid that /s/I+don't+agree with your assessment".

What phrases are similar to "i'm afraid that"?

Alternatives include "/s/i+regret+to+say+that", "/s/unfortunately", or "/s/i'm+hesitant+to+say+that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "i'm afraid that"?

While generally polite, "i'm afraid that" can sound insincere if overused or used sarcastically. Avoid using it when delivering good news or expressing excitement.

What's the difference between "i'm afraid that" and "i'm worried that"?

"I'm afraid that" softens the delivery of bad news or disagreement, while "/s/i'm+worried+that" expresses concern or anxiety about a potential outcome.