When learning English, it’s common to come across phrases like “Afraid To vs Afraid Of.” Although these phrases may seem similar, they are used differently depending on what you want to express. Understanding how to use each correctly will help you communicate more clearly in English. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between “afraid to” and “afraid of,” provide plenty of examples, and help you master their usage.
Afraid To + Verb
The phrase “afraid to” is used when you want to express fear about performing a specific action. In this structure, “afraid” is followed by the infinitive form of a verb (to + verb). This means that you are hesitant or unwilling to do something because it scares you.
Examples:
- I’m afraid to fly in airplanes.
(I fear the act of flying in airplanes.) - She’s afraid to speak in public.
(She fears the act of speaking in public.) - They’re afraid to ask for help.
(They fear the act of asking for help.)
In each of these examples, the speaker is afraid of doing something specific, such as flying, speaking, or asking.
Afraid Of + Noun or Gerund
On the other hand, “afraid of” is used when you want to express fear about a person, thing, or situation. In this structure, “afraid” is followed by a noun (a person, place, thing, or idea) or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun).
Examples:
- I’m afraid of spiders.
(I fear spiders.) - He’s afraid of the dark.
(He fears the dark.) - She’s afraid of failing the exam.
(She fears the possibility of failing the exam.) - They’re afraid of swimming in the ocean.
(They fear the act of swimming in the ocean.)
In these examples, the speaker is expressing fear of something like spiders, darkness, failing, or swimming.
Combining Both: Afraid To and Afraid Of
Sometimes, you can even use both structures in a single sentence to express a more detailed idea.
Examples:
- I’m afraid to walk alone at night because I’m afraid of the dark.
(I fear the act of walking alone at night, and I also fear the dark.) - She’s afraid to touch the spider because she’s afraid of spiders.
(She fears the act of touching the spider, and she also fears spiders.)
Afraid To vs. Afraid Of: What’s the Difference?
Use “afraid to” when you want to talk about fear of doing a specific action (e.g., I’m afraid to fly in airplanes). Use “afraid of” when you want to talk about fear of a person, thing, or situation (e.g., I’m afraid of spiders).
