for Ex: I am afraid the stock is not available .. ; I am afraid that a lot of people will starve to death. Definition of afraid adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. 13. Hi All, I am not a native english speaker. "I'm afraid" and "I'm sorry" are in general not interchangeable as lead ins to an apology. Another unique usage of afraid is to confirm bad news. The way to do that in an email is to not be too emotional and to make your complaint clear and specific. He seemed afraid to put his name on the petition. TIA. You can also provide a link from the web. JavaScript is disabled. 69585 is serious … You can use this phrase to say "no" to a request: A: Excuse me, can you spare some change? I am aware that most women don't want me to look like Fabio. Yes, you can say "I'm afraid I'll be late today" (note the capital I and the apostrophes), meaning "I'm sorry that I have to tell you this, but ... Sign up using Email and Password Submit. But it’s easier to get what you want if you complain in a way that doesn’t offend your reader. 3 Huffington Post. A: When the adjective “afraid” showed up in the 1300s (as affred or afreyd in Middle English), it meant alarmed or frightened. Here, we use "I am afraid" at the end of the sentence. I am afraid to drink anything that makes men act in that way. I am not opening any email related to banks. In other contexts, there is no similarity of meaning at all: I’m afraid that if I leave my house unattended, thieves may break in. I am too frightened to stay alone in this house. 97 examples: They winced under their wry faces, afraid to stand and afraid to run away. I’m afraid that John is the man responsible for this outrage. Can I use "I am afraid" at the beginning of the sentence like this? {=With some reluctance I say that I cannot ....}. (because he might hit me) I’m afraid = I’m sorry. They were all addressed to random people whom I have sent emails to in the past. Thank you. I hope you had a great trip. 7. 11 of them were time stamped Mon 5:04 and the remaining 4 Mon 7:03, indicating they were all generated within the same time frame it would appear. “May I please have the newspaper?” “I’m afraid not.” Would that construction not indicate “I am not afraid?” To me, it seems that perhaps the phrase came from the shortening of “I’m afraid… 'I'm' may also be considered informal outside speech or a literary scope. Compare. "We're going to fire Joe"). - as a matter of style can it be ever ok to write as - AM/PM as follows: He set out at 3:35 AM, 5 February 1939, Henshaw arrived safely at Capetown as 8:58 PM, Many thanks for your assistance. I hope all is well. (Because I had no intention to do so.) "I suspect that" on the other hand is used to postulate possible reasons why something might be the case: I suspect that sales aren't as good as we'd hoped because Joe hasn't been performing well. The examples in the left column are more formal.The right-hand column shows the less formal equivalent.. B: "I'm afraid not. Thank you for the reminder. Hope you had a nice break. Why Am I Afraid to Be Naked? Difference between afraid of and afraid to. I am also afraid of loud noises.. ... and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. It did not seem reasonable at all. In some cases it might be used in that way, but really it's more of a way to soften the tone of bad news. I am afraid I won’t be able to make the party on Saturday. I’m afraid that I must inform you you have been fired. Here are some more business email and letter phrases. I'm afraid the question, as is, is not so great. Complaining can be tough. Central Illinois. Reading and Receiving Messages, Chrome, … I think 'afraid' could be in a business email. Hope you're enjoying your holiday. I don't understand your question, I am afraid. 13. Please proceed. I’m afraid is a polite way of giving information that will not be welcome. By Paola Pascual on Dec 26, 2018 9:04:34 AM. Complaining. In some types of emails/letters (with non-business customers), I would agree. The examples in the left column are more formal.The right-hand column shows the less formal equivalent.. Hi Dennis, 2. (I was searching for some keywords and that email happen to pop up and I saw it today) I want to email the person and say something like I have overlooked your email or missed your email to that person who emailed me, and then continue to reply. An email is the perfect method for telling somebody you can't go to a business meeting or presentation that you have been invited to or have already accepted an invitation to attend. Date: 12-12-2013. Emanko, you should know that some members here refer to Longman as "Wrongman" because of its often misleading entries. It does not seem to make sense to me. When we make a request Details. I’m afraid. Dear Dr Smith, (note: First names are NOT used. To me, these have somewhat different meanings. 2 The New Yorker. That message doesn't look like one of ours. I am afraid that it is not someone else. I have no issues with the matter. Bias: US native, of "an older generation". By adding these at the beginning of your emails you will sound more friendly and social. Request Email for Approval. But even here there is an overtone of regret or distress which is absent from suspect. She was frightened by that haunting tune. I'm afraid I'm not really thinking about this at the syntax level at all ( we just have to use it for examples ;-) ) but rather at the Infoset level. Learn more. Hello Claire, 3. I am afraid your child is experiencing difficulty. Please suggest. I am afraid of that, not I am an afraid person. May 18, 2017 at 8:36 am I agree with the above people that your tips and examples of the use of the verb suggest are very useful and iI do thank you but i feel that there are some more uses of this verb that you haven’t included as for example the use of the simple present or the simple past instead of the subjunctive which makes the verb suggest less formal . I have many emails everyday and recently I just discovered I missed an email that I should reply. I will look into it and let you know the findings. You cannot write "A boy, I'm", but you can write "A boy, I am". When pulling up any email that has the paperclip symbol on it to indicate there is an attachment, I am unable to see any "download" or section that displays the attachment. Usage of Afraid broken down by email server providers. 4. "I'm afraid" is fine for a business e-mail and for spoken use. Things can frighten or scare us. But it felt so true. Can anyone give me a clear response on this Name. There is nothing to be afraid of. I'm too scared to even check my email. Definition of I'm afraid... in the Idioms Dictionary. This is the British English definition of I’m afraid.View American English definition of I’m afraid.. Change your default dictionary to American English. If the news is very, very bad, here is a formal way of giving it: I am sorry to have to inform you that we are forced to terminate your employment. Can you use "I'm afraid that X" interchangeably with "I suspect that X"? ; I am afraid that most of the small farmers will go bankrupt. (BUT NOT They were afraid by the explosion.) https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/1195/when-can-you-use-im-afraid-that/1203#1203, https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/1195/when-can-you-use-im-afraid-that/1196#1196, https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/1195/when-can-you-use-im-afraid-that/1199#1199. It took about two or three years of hypnotherapy before I got all my shit together and figured out but I am very glad that I did it and have never looked back since. This question has been sent in by Susan McKenzie: A.M./P.M. There's a bit less certainly that what is reported is actually happening. More from Idioms and phrases. In fact, my fear of mail is at once so irrational yet so pathological one might think an oversized … Dear Sir/ Madam, 2. Please help me clarify something about the use of it in the sentence? I know it's popular with learners, but it seems to oversimplify a great many things. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Service. Pick phrases from below and try to imagine an email to someone in your context using that phrase or those phrases, using your own ideas where there is “…”. ... when writing postcards or letters to friends, emails or text messages. To whom it may concern: (especially AmE) 4. Sarah: Hello everyone, today’s lesson is going to be about using ‘Is’, ‘Are’ and ‘Am’ properly. ; I am afraid that Russia is headed for a total military disaster. (Because he might hit me.) I look forward to it. How to write emails Symbols: = normal, standard, is always possible. 4. We did send out a security update, but it should be from info@service.comms.yahoo.net. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A: "Will you be able to attend the meeting tomorrow?" I am using Gmail for a long time, since 2006 or 2008 and this is the first time ever (in my life) that I am sending emails to this many addresses. Here are some more business email and letter phrases. I suspect that X would serve as a report that X may not be happening as expected. 11 of them were time stamped Mon 5:04 and the remaining 4 Mon 7:03, indicating they were all generated within the same time frame it would appear. We use this expression at the beginning of negative statements to make them sound softer and more polite. What do you think please and what should I do? 6. Formal 1. I didn’t get your email more typically refers to the most recent email. Hi there, I don't know if I've gone blind or become stupid, but I can't find attachments on any emails sent to me. 1. Both seem a little vague. Afraid of the truth coming out.. I don't understand your question, I am afraid. Here are a couple examples of I am afraid that:I am afraid that the hotel is fully booked this weekend, we have no free rooms. For example: A: Can you come to my party on Saturday night?… 6. Examples of afraid in a sentence, how to use it. 1. It is duly noted. Hi there, I don't know if I've gone blind or become stupid, but I can't find attachments on any emails sent to me. ; I am afraid that when the administration and others talk about race, Yes, I have taken note of it. It expresses reluctance or hesitation to say something, partly out of politeness. Click here to upload your image California; Princeton, NJ. I am afraid I cannot meet you at that time. Dear Mr/ Ms Jones, 5. 8. (max 2 MiB). This is the one that's used in the spoken language: Hi emanko, I don't agree with the Longman that "I'm afraid" is more appropriate to the spoken register, I'm afraid. Now, Ontario, Canada. I'm sorry to say (that) the ... are writing to doesn't want to hear. I'm afraid (that) the.. I'm afraid definition: If you want to apologize to someone or to disagree with them in a polite way, you can say... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples - Of… Is the phrase “I’m afraid not,” such as in the below exchange, an idiom? I’m afraid From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English I’m afraid I’m afraid spoken FRIGHTENED used to politely tell someone something that may annoy , upset , or disappoint them That’s the most we can offer you, I’m afraid. See technologies overview for explanations on the methodologies used in the surveys. Afraid - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary There are also examples where spoken English can be very formal, for example, in a speech or a lecture. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. ... when writing postcards or letters to friends, emails or text messages. I’m afraid that I … I am a native speaker of American English, and I have only ever heard this usage of the word revert from one person. Another unique usage of afraid is to confirm bad news. To, Hedley Ingram 737-2580 At Street Find more details in our extensive Afraid market report. It does not seem to make sense to me. I'm afraid that X is what i would use to apologize for something that has gone not quite according to plan, even if it wasn't my fault. Some people would argue that it is not good to directly disagree with people in emails. I’m afraid that I can’t help you. 1. I don’t get your email better refers to an ongoing problem. Hello, When I logged into my email today, I noticed that there were 15 draft emails that I had not created, and were not there yesterday. I'm afraid that I cannot agree with: (phrase) This is basically a polite way of saying 'you are wrong' (never use the word 'wrong' when you are disagreeing, it will offend people). We'd be glad to look into this potential scam with you. They were scared by the explosion. Does anyone already know how to use ‘Is’ , ‘Am’ and ‘Are’? 1 The New Yorker "Are you afraid of the dark?" 5. I was afraid of hurting his sentiments. I am afraid of doing something that would make me more wrinkled. 2. We cannot be afraid by something. When pulling up any email that has the paperclip symbol on it to indicate there is an attachment, I am unable to see any "download" or section that displays the attachment. I'm too scared to even check my email. I was afraid to offend him. The … Most people are afraid of something if you dig far enough.. What you really should be afraid of are the ignorant bigots who vote for these people.. She picked up gongs for her roles in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Butterfield 8.. "I'm afraid that" is more commonly used to present a regretful report that something is the case: I'm afraid that sales aren't as good as we'd hoped. Definition and synonyms of I’m afraid from the online English dictionary from Macmillan Education.. Is the phrase “I’m afraid not,” such as in the below exchange, an idiom? Yes, you can say "I'm afraid I'll be late today" (note the capital I and the apostrophes), meaning "I'm sorry that I have to tell you this, but ... Sign up using Email and Password Submit. I'm afraid that I cannot agree with: (phrase) This is basically a polite way of saying 'you are wrong' (never use the word 'wrong' when you are disagreeing, it will offend people). Post as a guest. “I am afraid that…” “Unfortunately…” 8. I am writing to make a reservation/ to apply for the position of…/ to confirm my booking/ to ask for further information about … I am writing with regard to the sale of …/ to the complaint you made on 29th February; Thank you for your e-mail of 29th February regarding the sale of… / … (because I had no wish to do so) I was afraid to offend him. There are circumstances where “I’m afraid that X” does embrace something like “I suspect that X”: I’m afraid that John is the man responsible for this outrage. In some types of emails/letters (with non-business customers), I would agree. Definition and synonyms of I’m afraid from the online English dictionary from Macmillan Education.. Afraid - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary It would be a lot more interesting if it matched its title better. I hope you e… But even here there is an overtone of regret or distress which is absent from suspect. Explanation of the English phrase "I'm afraid (clause)": Use this phrase when you have to give someone information that they won't like. How to write emails Symbols: = normal, standard, is always possible. It felt as if I am referring to a real bull running, not the process of receiving an email. (Be) Afraid is a psychological predicate adjective (a "psych-predicate" in the trade) referring to emotions experienced by the subject of the predicate (here, I).. When the phrase is abbreviated to "fraid not," an apostrophe is often used in place of the missing letter. 7. The way to do that in an email is to not be too emotional and to make your complaint clear … Close. Here, we use "I am afraid" at the end of the sentence. Compare: I was afraid of offending his feelings. I am afraid your child is experiencing difficulty. There is no sense of suspicion in either of these. I'm probably behind on to a of stuff. afraid - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online. This diagram shows the percentages of websites using Afraid broken down by email server providers. When I hear people saying statements with I am afraid, I am bit confused on why they are using the word afraid in that. If the news is very, very bad, here is a formal way of giving it: I am sorry to have to inform you that we are forced to terminate your employment. Post as a guest. 3. Or we can be frightened by or scared by something. Posted by u/[deleted] 5 years ago. Apple ID I'm afraid (that) the.. I am afraid, but I think she is more. Hello, When I logged into my email today, I noticed that there were 15 draft emails that I had not created, and were not there yesterday. Complaining can be tough. Email… 5. Some people would argue that it is not good to directly disagree with people in emails. Please help me clarify something about the use of it in the sentence? There are a lot of psych-predicates in English; many look like passives because they use predicate adjectives that are either formed or indistinguishable from past participles. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy, 2020 Stack Exchange, Inc. user contributions under cc by-sa. Hello, I am a little bit confused on the place of "I am afraid" in the sentence. When can you use "I'm afraid that ..."? ‘Scared’ can more naturally be used in this format. I'm afraid that we're going to have to Joe go (i.e. What does I'm afraid... expression mean? ; I am afraid my obedience in that diocese would be absolutely zero. I'm not as green as I am cabbage-looking; ... Mail; Share: Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Mail; Open / Close. "Suspect" can also be used to postulate that an action is happening at all: I suspect that Joe is stealing money from the till when we aren't looking. I am afraid, but also confident in the precautions we have taken. I hope you had a good weekend. From, David Mathews 1011 Malesuada Road Moscow Kentucky 77382 (357) 616-5411. I’m afraid From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English I’m afraid I’m afraid spoken FRIGHTENED used to politely tell someone something that may annoy , upset , or disappoint them That’s the most we can offer you, I’m afraid. This week's grammatical expression, "I'm afraid" can help in these situations. “May I please have the newspaper?” “I’m afraid not.” Would that construction not indicate “I am not afraid?” To me, it seems that perhaps the phrase came from the shortening of “I’m afraid… ... With reference to the upcoming review meeting on Thursday the 13 November, I am afraid that due to personal reasons, I will not be able to attend. 'I am' is also longer to pronounce, and therefore has more emphasis (as pointed out by one of the answers). American English Aug 19, 2016 #6 Emanko, you should know that some members here refer to Longman as "Wrongman" because of its often misleading entries. ... My Banking related all emails are read which is not by me. There are also examples where spoken English can be very formal, for example, in a speech or a lecture. Usage of formal and informal English . I'm sorry to say (that) the ... are writing to doesn't want to hear. I am afraid, but I know that I must remain there for some time. In other contexts, there is no similarity of meaning at all: I’m afraid that if I leave my house unattended, thieves may break in. Make your emails more varied and rich with these over 150 phrases. So while ‘Scared’ and ‘Afraid’ are used to express the same emotion of fear, the grammar and usage must be considered. Use several phrases in the same email if you can, but you’ll also need to make up whole sentences which aren’t below. For example: I am a scared person. 2. In this list we look at how to make requests, complain, apologise and give bad news. Thanks. Complaining. Thanks for reaching out! Archived. They were all addressed to random people whom I have sent emails to in the past. (Perhaps I just don't know all the facts.). 1. Staying on top of your inbox is not always easy, but having some useful phrases like these can save you a lot of time. Is there anything done by google or some security concerns ? (I'm) (a)fraid not A response used to reluctantly decline an invitation or politely answer a question in the negative, indicating regret that the answer is "no." Monica: I always confuse ‘Is’ with ‘Am’ and my friends make fun of me. Is it okay/ Would it be okay to bring a colleague with me/ to share your email with my colleagues? Using Miss or Mrs to address a woman is not appropriate, as you don’t know whether she’s married or not) Informal 1. Sometimes when we're speaking and writing English, negative statements can seem a little rude. I am not a totally dysfunctional adult, I pay my bills online and have e-mail notifications set up for all my utilities, but, for some reason, I seem to be afraid of my mail. P. pob14 Senior Member. "I'm afraid" and "I'm sorry" are in general not interchangeable as lead ins to an apology. When we make a request Yes, that's what I'd afraid of.. Sarah: Don’t worry, Monica.You will soon impress your friends. Usage of formal and informal English . Name. 'I'm' is always used in conjunction with a noun phrase. Dear Sir or Madam, 3. In some cases it might be used in that way, but really it's more of a way to soften the tone of bad news. The doctors are afraid that there is … I am afraid I won’t be able to make the party on Saturday. Question: Q: I am afraid that this email I reproduce hereunder did not really originate from Microsoft. 3. You must log in or register to reply here. By Rich Santos. He will write an email, bringing up a … Email… She is afraid that you might get angry. “I am afraid that…” “Unfortunately…” 8. Can I use "I am afraid" at the beginning of the sentence like this? He knew that all the intellectual lights of Petersburg were gathered there and, like a child in a toyshop, did not know which way to look, afraid of missing any clever conversation that was to be heard. I will seriously freak out! I'm afraid... phrase. I am not afraid to tell the truth. I am a long time user.I do not do any coding ,so I am afraid i would be of no help.I noticed that you talked about the increase in usage were the USA has fallen to 3rd place.I am certain that is due to there not being a mobile version of Thunderbird.I came to this site … But it’s easier to get what you want if you complain in a way that doesn’t offend your reader. But by the early 1600s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the expression “I am afraid” (or “I’m afraid”) was being used in the apologetic sense you’re asking about. I'm afraid, "I'm afraid" is not quite the same as an apology. I hope this email finds you well. Hey, @AlreadyTaken! This person is not a native English speaker (he is from India), so he may just be mistaken, but I'm curious if anyone else has seen/heard this usage. I hope you are well. The first expresses actual fear, the second is an idiom which expresses regret. This is the British English definition of I’m afraid.View American English definition of I’m afraid.. Change your default dictionary to American English. Hello, I am a little bit confused on the place of "I am afraid" in the sentence. I'm afraid, "I'm afraid" is not quite the same as an apology. Thanks 3. For example, a waiter can say this to a customer: I'm very sorry, sir, but I'm afraid we're all out of the salmon. In this list we look at how to make requests, complain, apologise and give bad news. Position. Dear Mum, (note: salutations are followed by a (,) comma, exception: ’To whom it may concern:’) Read more: How to introduce yourself in English: Tips and Phrases Other Ways To Say NIC… I want to say that I am afraid but am too afraid to say so. Afraid of and afraid to. I’m afraid…/ I’m sorry, but/ Unfortunately, I’m not available at that time/ I have a meeting at that time/ we are not permitted to provide that kind of personal information. The qualified element has a value for its namespace name whereas the unqualified children have no value for their namespace name. Others have provided a range of acceptable alternative forms. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. He seemed afraid to put his name on the petition.