i am afraid that

USAGE SUMMARY

'I am afraid that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express one's concern or fear that something is true or may be true. For example: "I am afraid that I may not be able to finish this project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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 this will continue for years.

Columbia University

I am afraid that both may defeat us.

The New York Times - Arts

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

Because it is true, I am afraid, that you should never get ill at weekends.

Independent

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am afraid that" to soften bad news or express disagreement politely, maintaining a respectful tone in professional and personal communication.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "I am afraid that", as it can make your writing sound overly negative or hesitant. Vary your language with alternatives like "unfortunately", "I regret to say", or a direct statement of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am afraid that" functions as a hedging device, used to soften the impact of delivering unwelcome news, expressing disagreement, or conveying a pessimistic opinion. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am afraid that" is a versatile expression used to soften negative information, express concern, or politely disagree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While very common across diverse sources, it's particularly prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific writing. To avoid monotony in your own writing, consider using alternatives like "/s/unfortunately", "/s/I+regret+to+say", or "/s/I'm+sorry+to+inform+you+that" depending on the situation. Remember to balance politeness with clarity when delivering your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm afraid to say

This alternative is a shorter, less formal version of the original phrase.

I regret to say that

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes regret while delivering bad news.

I'm sorry to inform you that

This alternative is a polite and formal way to convey bad news or an unfortunate situation.

I am concerned that

This alternative shifts the focus to worry and concern about a potential outcome.

Unfortunately

This alternative is a direct way to introduce a negative statement or outcome.

I'm worried that

This alternative conveys anxiety and apprehension about a potential situation.

It is with regret that I must say

This alternative is very formal and emphasizes the speaker's reluctance to deliver bad news.

I have concerns that

This alternative expresses a level of unease or doubt about a particular situation or outcome.

It pains me to say that

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's emotional discomfort in delivering bad news.

Regrettably

This alternative is a concise, formal adverb expressing regret.

FAQs

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

Use "I am afraid that" to politely introduce bad news, express disagreement, or convey concern. For example, "I am afraid that /s/we+are+unable to fulfill your request at this time."

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

You can use alternatives like "/s/unfortunately", "/s/I+regret+to+inform+you+that", or "/s/I'm+sorry+to+say" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to use "I am afraid that" or a more direct statement?

While "I am afraid that" can soften the blow, sometimes directness is more appropriate, especially in urgent or critical situations. Consider your audience and the message you're conveying.

When is it inappropriate to use "I am afraid that"?

Avoid using "I am afraid that" when delivering positive news or expressing excitement. It's best reserved for negative or uncertain situations where a gentler tone is preferred.