I'm afraid (I don't understand) meaning in English

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Definition

I'm afraid (I don't understand)

:

I'm sorry (but I don't understand)

idiom

I'm afraid (I can't help you)

:

unfortunately (I can't help you)

Examples

  • "I'm afraid I can't do that."
  • "Magda: I'm afraid I don't understand, sir."
  • "I'm afraid I can't help you."
Exercise 1

Listen to the clip, then drag and drop the words to complete Magda's sentence.

I don't understand, .

Listen to the clip, then drag and drop the words to complete Magda's sentence.

I'm afraid 1 I don't understand, sir 2.

1 I'm afraid:

I'm afraid I don't understand, sir. We often use I'm afraid to apologise politely. Example: I'm afraid I don't remember.

2 sir:

I'm afraid I don't understand, sir. You heard sir, which is how we address a man respectfully. For a woman, we use madam. Example: excuse me, sir/madam, would you like some help? Pro tip: if you know the surname, you can also say Mr Johnson (man) and Ms Johnson (woman). 

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