The word “afraid” is a common English adjective, but many learners use it incorrectly. This can lead to confusion or unnatural-sounding sentences. In this blog, we’ll explore the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them, helping you sound more natural in English.
Mistake #1: Using “Afraid” with “To Be” Incorrectly
Incorrect: I afraid of spiders.
Correct: I am afraid of spiders.
“Afraid” is an adjective that requires the verb “to be.” The correct structure is: Subject + am/is/are + afraid of + noun/gerund.
Mistake #2: Using “Afraid” Instead of “Scared” or “Frightened” in Certain Contexts
Incorrect: He was afraid to the movie.
Correct: He was scared of the movie.
While “afraid” is often used to express fear, it is not commonly used before nouns in this way. Instead, “scared” or “frightened” is more natural when referring to something that causes fear.
Mistake #3: Incorrect Prepositions with “Afraid”
Incorrect: She is afraid from failing the test.
Correct: She is afraid of failing the test.
“Afraid” is always followed by “of” when expressing fear of something.
Mistake #4: Using “Afraid” Instead of “Sorry” or “Regret” in Formal Situations
Incorrect: I’m afraid, but I can’t attend the meeting.
Correct: I’m sorry, but I can’t attend the meeting.
While “I’m afraid” can be used politely to soften bad news, it is often better to use “sorry” or “regret” in formal situations.
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Making small mistakes like these can make your English sound unnatural, but don’t worry—that’s where I can help! At MK’s English, I provide expert guidance to help learners master English with confidence. My lessons focus on:
- Practical English skills that you can use in real life.
- Common mistake correction to improve fluency.
- Interactive lessons tailored to your needs.
If you want to speak English naturally and avoid common mistakes, join my classes today and take your English to the next level!