英语：英语单词afraid的用法

英语单词afraid非常常用，而且afraid是一个非常好用的单词，用法也比较简单。

1, afraid经常用于比较礼貌地告诉别人某个消息，这个消息有可能会让对方感到不舒服、失望或者被打扰。经常以”I’m afraid (that) …”的结构出现：

• I’m afraid that there are several uses of the word! 

另外，”I’m afraid (that) …”结构中的that可以省略：

• I’m afraid that there are at least seven ways 等同于
• I’m afraid there are at least seven ways 

这种用法在口语中尤其常见。

2, afraid还可以用于表示“害怕”。但是’afraid’ 不能后接名词，比如’an easily afraid person’是错误的用法。这种情况下可以用’frightened’。

• He’s an easily frightened person=He’s easily frightened.
• He’s afraid of something—- He’s afraid of spiders? 
• He’s afraid to do something —- He’s afraid to ask for help.? 
• He’s afraid of doing something —- He’s afraid of flying.? 

3, afraid结构用来表示’yes’或’no’

3.1,  Afraid + not表示’no’ 

• • A: Are you doing anything nice this weekend, Femi? 
  • F: I’m afraid not, I have to work – I need the money! 

打电话时说某人不在：

• • A: Could I speak to Sun Chen please? 
  • B: I’m afraid not, he’s not available at the moment. Would you like to leave a message? 

3.2, Afraid’+ so表示’yes’. 

• • A: Are you leaving now, Yvonne? 
  • Y: I’m afraid so, I have to be home by 9 o’clock.