A2 noun Neutral #539 most common

afraid

/əˈfreɪd/

Afraid is an adjective used to describe the feeling of fear, worry, or anxiety about a specific person, thing, or situation. It is also frequently used in polite speech to introduce bad news or express a disagreement in a gentle way.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I am afraid of large dogs because they can be quite loud.

I am afraid of large dogs because they can be quite loud.

2

I am afraid that your application has been declined due to missing signatures.

I am afraid that your application has been declined due to missing signatures.

3

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck on the game.

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck on the game.

Word Family

Adjective
afraid
Related
fear
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Memory Tip

Afraid starts with 'A' like 'Alarm'—both mean you feel fear or danger!

Quick Quiz

She is ______ of flying, so she always travels by train.

Correct!

The correct answer is: afraid

Examples

1

I am afraid of large dogs because they can be quite loud.

everyday

I am afraid of large dogs because they can be quite loud.

2

I am afraid that your application has been declined due to missing signatures.

formal

I am afraid that your application has been declined due to missing signatures.

3

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck on the game.

informal

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck on the game.

4

Sociologists are afraid that the current economic trend will increase inequality.

academic

Sociologists are afraid that the current economic trend will increase inequality.

5

I'm afraid I cannot make it to the board meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

business

I'm afraid I cannot make it to the board meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

Word Family

Adjective
afraid
Related
fear

Common Collocations

afraid of heights afraid of heights
afraid to speak afraid to speak
deeply afraid deeply afraid
not afraid of not afraid of
look afraid look afraid

Common Phrases

I'm afraid so

I'm afraid so (used to confirm bad news)

Afraid of one's own shadow

Afraid of one's own shadow (to be very easily frightened)

I'm afraid not

I'm afraid not (used to give a polite negative answer)

Often Confused With

afraid vs scared

Afraid is usually used after a verb like 'to be', while scared can be used both after a verb and before a noun (e.g., 'a scared cat' is correct, but 'an afraid cat' is not).

afraid vs fearful

Fearful is more formal and often describes a general state or a specific reaction, whereas afraid is more common in everyday conversation.

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Usage Notes

Afraid is a predicative adjective, which means it is placed after the verb (e.g., 'She is afraid'). You should never place it directly before a noun.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Many learners say 'I am afraid to spiders,' but the correct preposition to use after afraid is 'of' (e.g., 'afraid of spiders').

💡

Memory Tip

Afraid starts with 'A' like 'Alarm'—both mean you feel fear or danger!

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'esfreier', which means to disturb, frighten, or scare.

Grammar Patterns

afraid of + noun/gerund afraid to + verb afraid + that clause
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Cultural Context

In British and American English, starting a sentence with 'I'm afraid...' is a common way to be polite when refusing an invitation or giving bad news.

Quick Quiz

She is ______ of flying, so she always travels by train.

Correct!

The correct answer is: afraid

Related Phrases

Related Words

applause

C2

To express strong approval or praise for a person, idea, or action, either through the physical act of clapping or by formal commendation. At a C2 level, it frequently denotes a public or official endorsement of policies, decisions, or intellectual contributions.

bridge

B2

Used to describe something that serves as a transitional or temporary connection between two different states, periods, or entities. In academic and business contexts, it often refers to measures taken to fill a gap until a permanent solution is established.

accessibility

B2

The quality of being easily reached, entered, or used by as many people as possible, particularly those with disabilities. It also refers to the ease with which information, services, or locations can be obtained or understood.

media

B2

The collective means of mass communication, such as broadcasting, publishing, and the internet, used to reach a large audience. It often refers specifically to news organizations and journalists who report on current events.

text

C1

In an academic context, a text is any written, spoken, or visual piece of work that can be analyzed and interpreted for meaning. It extends beyond simple books to include transcripts, advertisements, and digital media as structured communicative events.

blender

B2

An electric kitchen appliance used for mixing, liquidizing, or pureeing food and beverages into a smooth consistency. It typically consists of a glass or plastic container with rotating metal blades at the bottom.

intelligence

B2

Intelligence is the ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge or skills to solve problems and adapt to new situations. It can also refer to the collection of secret information, especially regarding military or political matters.

parameter

B2

A parameter is a limit or boundary that defines the scope of a particular process, system, or activity. In technical or mathematical contexts, it refers to a measurable factor that sets the conditions of an operation.

budget

B2

A budget is a formal financial plan that estimates the amount of money earned and spent over a specific period of time. It acts as a guide for managing resources, ensuring that expenditures do not exceed the available funds for a project, household, or organization.

quiz

B2

A short test or assessment typically used to evaluate knowledge in an informal or academic setting. It often covers a specific topic and may also be used for entertainment, such as in game shows or trivia nights.

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